The Queensland Reds have landed in Narrabri ahead of their pre-season match against the NSW Waratahs tomorrow night at Dangar Park, which is the headline act of the Santos Festival of Rugby.
The Reds touched down at Narrabri Airport yesterday, and had a captain’s run at Narrabri Rugby Club’s home ground this morning.
Chief executive officer of Queensland Rugby Union David Hanham told The Courier the club is thrilled to be in Narrabri.
“Narrabri has been great. Hospitality is always great in regional towns as people say hello and want to know what is going on. We’ve spoken to people on our coffee walk this morning, and they’re all coming to the game,” Hanham said.
“We made a decision about three years ago to take pre-season games out to regional communities. If we look at this example, this is a sold-out regional event that will deliver massively to the local economy, and we want to contribute to supporting local communities.
“Everyone has battled through COVID in different industries, and the fact that we can come in and add a little bit of support is nice, and it’s a commitment we want to keep moving forward.”
The club has selected a 25-man squad to take to the field tomorrow night including Wallabies back-rower and captain Liam Wright and Inverell’s Jock Campbell.
Gunnedah’s Harry Wilson was left out of the squad.
Reds new signing and former Melbourne Storm winger Suliasi Vunivalu will line up in the outside backs.
The match in Narrabri is part of the three-day Santos Festival of Rugby which includes men’s and women’s sevens, plenty of fan activities and live music events.
The match will also serve as the Reds only pre-season game against a rival Super Rugby outfit ahead of the 2021 season starting on February 19.
Queensland Reds head of commercial Malcolm Watts said the event is as a tremendous chance for the club to engage with the region and showcase the sport.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase all elements of the game of rugby union over the coming days from the feature event of the Waratahs and Reds to the fanfare and excitement around rugby sevens,” Watts said.
“The Waratahs and Reds have a CBD presence given our home bases, but from the Reds point of view, we have 240 regional clubs we are connected to and represent. Coming to regions such as Narrabri, we get so much out of it in interacting with the locals and getting their feedback. It is a win-win for all.
“This will hopefully leave a legacy for the local club and allows the club to have facilities that are desirable and will attract more people into the sport. It is an important initiative, and hopefully it will continue.”
The Reds have competed in the international Super Rugby competition since 1996 and play their home games at Suncorp Stadium.
The Queensland based side’s head coach is experienced dual international Brad Thorn who played 482 combined union and rugby league games across his career.
Thorn lifted four premierships with the Brisbane Broncos and won a Rugby World Cup in 2011 with the New Zealand All Blacks.
The side finished runners up in last year’s competition and aims to continue its preparations for the new season in Narrabri.
“For us, we want to make sure we add value to the community. Suppose we can help brighten someone’s day because they are coming to the game with their family. In that case, that’s what we’re here for, and we’ll make sure the players are interacting as well,” QRU chief executive David Hanham said.
“We’re in NSW territory, but it’s always good to attract more fans, and we’ve got some local talent who have come through the ranks here in the region, so there is a good connection there and we’re always looking to grow and support rugby union. There will be young kids at the game that will see the players and be inspired to take that journey.
“Every time the team goes out to play, they have one objective, they want to win the match. The team will have its focus around this preseason game, but you don’t play rugby in a competitive environment to lose and, as the coach says, we want to go one better this year and win the competition, so that starts now.”
The match will kick off at 8pm.
The full Queensland Reds squad includes:
Frontrow – Richie Asiata, Matt Faessler, Feao Fotuaika, Harry Hoopert, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr and Dane Zander.
Locks/Backrow – Ben Grant, Fraser McReight, Ryan Smith, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Sam Wallis, Liam Wright (C) and Seru Uru.
Halves – Lawson Creighton, Bryce Hegarty, Moses Sorovi and Kalani Thomas.
Centres/Outside Backs – Jock Campbell, Hudson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu, Ilaisa Droasese, Mac Grealy, Hamish Stewart and Suliasi Vunivalu.
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