Stuart McLennan
NSW Universities head coach Peter Palmer is upbeat about the chances of his “student Blues” securing back-to-back victories over Queensland Universities at the Gold Coast this weekend.
Speaking from Sydney’s Kellyville Memorial Park, where the team went through their paces in the final Sydney training session, Palmer said he felt satisfied the players had undergone a thorough preparation before they travel to the Gold Coast tomorrow ahead of Saturday’s match at Cbus Super Stadium. Kick-off is 3.30pm (AEST).
Pictured above is the head coach (left) with captain Chase Chapman. (Photo: Stuart McLennan)
“This is our third session and this will probably be our biggest session leading into camp,” Palmer said.
“We'll have a captain’s run but I'd say preparation has been seamless and the boys have really responded to what we're trying to achieve.
“We won last year (16-8), and I think it was the first win in over 10 years. Queensland has been really dominant over the last period of time.
“We've reviewed the video and we've analysed Queensland a little bit. Hopefully we can go back-to-back. The boys are really confident.”
Returning team captain and Masters of Teaching student at Western Sydney University, Chase Chapman, expects the match to be a tough encounter based on last year’s experience.
“It will be a dogfight again. It’s just about who competes well and stays in the game for 80 minutes,” said Chapman, who plays for South Sydney Rabbitohs in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.
“The boys are gelling really well compared to last year when we only got one (training) session. I’m pretty excited to see what we get with three or four under our belt.
“Pete has really stepped up this year and is bringing a real good energy with the boys. He relates to us all and each of our individual needs, and he's big on making sure that we come together as a team.”
Palmer, who will join South Sydney as an assistant coach next season, offered an insight into how the Blues will approach the game.
“We’ve got really big outside backs and we’re looking to utilise those.
“Queensland were really dominant in the forwards last year, and try to play a physical game. So we're looking to combat that by moving them around a little bit.
“We are confident with our game model and the boys understand their roles.”
An Australian Universities merit team will be selected following the match.
NSW Universities team:
1. Braye Porter (Australian College of Physical Education)
2. Sam Younan (Charles Sturt University)
3. Joshua Rizk (Western Sydney University)
4. Issac Rosario (University of Technology, Sydney)
5. Jay Kirk (Tafe NSW - Wollongong)
6. Riley Lack (Griffith University)
7. Mitchell Chester (Western Sydney University)
8. Tom Fisher (University of Wollongong)
9. Nicholas Lenaz (Macquarie University)
10. Chase Chapman - Captain (Western Sydney University)
11. Harrison Leadbitter (University of Canberra)
12. Zakauri Clarke (Australian College of Physical Education)
13. Angus O’Donnell (Macquarie University)
14. Nabil Ali (University of Newcastle)
15. Ben Williamson (Australian College of Physical Education)
16. Dylan Asanoski (University of Wollongong)
17. Thomas Baker (University of Southern Queensland)
18. Adam Booth (University of Canberra)
Coach: Peter Palmer
