The squad to open the ISC season for the Seagulls, against Ipswich Jets at Piggabeen this Sunday, has been named by coach Aaron Zimmerle.
A 20-man squad has been chosen as this stage and there is a chance it may be boosted after the Gold Coast Titans finalise their side later in the week.
The first selected squad includes 11 newcomers plus co-captain Damian Sironen who returns after wearing the black and white in 2014.
The new boys are Linton and Brayden McGrady (who are cousins), Adam Barnes, Regan Muir, Carne Doyle, Lamare Liolevave, Nick Harrold, Ben Nakabuwa, Shane Gillham, Sam Carson and Mackenzie Reed. Centre James Toole was in the Seagulls ranks last year but this will be his ISC debut.
Consistent prop Ethan Price is injured, out indefinitely with a back problem, while centre Tevita Folau and lock Dane Clarke are suspended for one match. Folau has carry-over points from last season while Clarke was suspended for a tackle in the trial against Souths Logan.
Fijian prop Tikkiko Noke is also unavailable for this round.
Coach Zimmerle is still delighted with the strength of his squad and the depth he has in 2017.
“There were obviously some tough decisions there, especially after so many good performances in the trials,” said Zimmerle.
“That’s tough but it is also healthy that every player knows he is under pressure for his position and those who are not there know they will get their chance.”
Zimmo goes into the first-round clash, against the flamboyant Jets, pleased with trial form and particularly the defensive attitude shown which saw nine forced turnovers against the Magpies in the final hit-out – from aggressive tackling.
“To have a group of blokes willing to put their bodies on the line like that, that’s exciting,” the coach said.
“You can coach the rest but that willingness to get in front of someone, that comes from the type of people we have here.”
Get down to see the Intrust Super Cup team kick-off the season at 2pm at Piggabeen on Sunday, with two earlier matches – the under-20s at 12.25pm and the under-18s at 10.50am.
| SEAGULLS’ RD 1 TEAM vs IPSWICH | |
| 1 | Lindon McGrady |
| 2 | Adam Barnes |
| 3 | Talor Walters |
| 4 | James Toole |
| 5 | Regan Muir |
| 6 | Sione Alofi |
| 7 | Michael Burgess |
| 8 | Damian Sironen (capt) |
| 9 | Sam Meskell (capt) |
| 10 | Carne Doyle |
| 11 | Lamar Liolevave |
| 12 | Sam Saville |
| 13 | Nick Harrold |
| 14 | Ben Nakabuwai |
| 15 | Kurt Bernard |
| 16 | Shane Gillham |
| 17 | Will Johnstone |
| 18 | Sam Carson |
| 20 | Mackenzie Reed |
| 22 | Brayden McGrady |
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