Everything you need to know: Wheelchair State Challenge
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Queensland know that the New South Wales wheelchair rugby league team will arrive in the Sunshine State with redemption on their minds, but they are not backing down as they aim for their fourth straight State Challenge title.
For the last three years Queensland have been the commanding force in the annual wheelchair clash, turning the tide on their southern foes after seven years of NSW dominance.
And while they are expecting a determined NSW outfit tomorrow at Brendale’s South Pine Sports Centre, Queensland co-captains Dan Anstey and Brett Bazley also know their new-look team can overcome any challenge thrown their way.
With four debutants – and Anstey and Bazley leading the way for the first time – the squad are ready to make wheelchair rugby league history for the state.
“They’re going to have a bit of a fire in their belly this year,” Anstey said of NSW.
“They’re going to play well and play tough, so we’ll have to be ready for that.
“But it’s pretty important to retain the title again this year. It will definitely go to show how well wheelchair rugby league is going in Queensland and the depth that we have now.
“To still be able to win with four debutants, it would just go to show the talent we have in and around rugby league.”
Queensland’s four debutants are Shannon Buxton and Dylan Gawthorne, and teen duo Tyson Barry and Jack Kruger.
But they are also not forgetting the players that have come before them, in particular one who has gone through a tragedy this year.
Not only will Queensland play for each other and for a fourth title tomorrow, but they will also play for former player Adam Tannock, who stepped away this year after he and his partner Maddy lost their son, Issac.
Bazley said the team will wear ribbons on their jerseys as well as armbands to honour Tannock and his family.
“There’s a bit more to play for this year,” Bazley said.
“It just means more than who we’re actually playing with. It’s the people who have previously worn this jumper.
“Adam’s done so much for Queensland Wheelchair and was an Australian representative playing in the World Cup.
“Everyone is on board. It’s basically having a 12th man with us in this squad.”
As Queensland fight for their four straight title, they are hopeful to see a strong home crowd behind them tomorrow.
It’s free entry and both Anstey and Bazley know what that kind of support could do for them as they look to secure a victory.
For both, it’s going to take a team effort on Saturday.
“We’ve put ourselves on a high pedestal that anything we want to do can be achieved,” Bazley said.
“The backing of our coaching staff gives us that mindset… The trust and faith they’ve put into us.
“This is a team and the only way we can do this is from a team perspective. There’s no one player that will get us over the line.
“What’s been taught to us and instilled into us is what we’re going to deliver. Over the last two years of playing the game, I’ve learnt that one person doesn’t win the game.
“Especially with the talent NSW have, it’s going to be every man, every player, every supporter, everyone who can bring a voice for Queensland will get us over the line.”
Everything you need to know - Wheelchair State Challenge
Key information
When: Saturday, July 13 from 3pm
Where: South Pine Sports Centre, Brendale
Entry: Free
Broadcast: Livestreamed via NRL.com
Last time they met: Queensland 42 def NSW 26
Teams
Queensland
Dan Anstey (C), Brett Bazley (C), Peter Arbuckle, Tyson Barry, Shannon Buxton, Dylan Gawthorne, Bayley McKenna, Zac Schumacher, Jack Kruger, Cory Mostran. Reserve: Jeff Wright
Coach: Jack Brown
Assistant coach: Cameron Sullivan
Team manager: Jade Brown
New South Wales
Brad Grove (C), Diab Karim (C), Corey Cannane, Craig Cannane, Zac Carl, Moey Chemaissem, Rick Engles, Edge Iole, Liam Luff, Toby Popple.
Coach: Edie George
