NSW VB Blues fans should aim to get out to ANZ Stadium early this evening so they can cheer on the VB NSW Cup representative team in their clash against the Queensland Residents team.
Coach Rip Taylor has named a strong side with 15 of the 20 players in the extended squad having played first grade. Queensland are no slouches either, with players like centre Donald Malone, lock Nick Slyney and back rower Tim Glasby having NRL experience also.
The VB NSW cup side last won this fixture in 2010 when it was played at ANZ Stadium and victory to the boys in blue will see NSW compete a clean sweep of all elite junior and senior matches.
With the ever increasing importance of second tier football beginning to be realised by the powers that be in the game of Rugby League, plenty of people will be paying special attention to this match and we think they won’t be disappointed.
Players to Watch
Sam Williams
The 22 year old Mounties halfback will be eager to impress in this game after being dropped from the Canberra Raiders’ NRL side back in round seven. A clever play maker with a strong passing and kicking game expect the majority of the VB NSW Cup representative side’s attack to revolve around him. Williams is also a handy goal kicker and capable of kicking field goals, making him a valuable asset in close games. He has 40 games worth of NRL experience despite his young age.
Taqele Naiyaravaro
This Fijian flyer has been selected on the back of his excellent form out on the flank for the Wests Tigers. 21 year old Naiyaravaro is currently the VB NSW Cup’s leading try scorer with 23 touch downs from just 16 games. He has scored three hat tricks this season and even managed four tries in the Tigers’ round 14 clash against the Bulldogs. Standing at 195cm and weighing 117kg, Naiyaravaro is more than capable of playing in the forwards, so expect him to relieve some pressure by taking a number of hit ups throughout the game.
Mitch Williams
The unsung hero of the VB NSW Cup, Wyong captain Mitch Williams has been the heart and soul of the Roos side during their debut season. The hardworking hooker is a complete package as far as footballers go, a brilliant performer in both attack and defence. Williams was named the Country Rugby League player of the year back in 2010 and when polling when behind closed doors, he was the leader for the 2013 VB NSW Cup player of the year with 31 points after 15 rounds, eight points ahead of second placed Tyrone Peachey.
Prediction: Both sides have had their troubles in their preparation with the QLD Residents struggling to get a team together in the early stages of last week while the NSW boys have been forced to implement a last minute reshuffle with Chad Townsend’s elevation to the NRL this weekend.
The QLD Residents have picked a big forward pack while the VB NSW Cup selectors have opted for speed and mobility after they were caught napping up the middle late in last year’s match.
These games always produce some epic contests. They have been decided by small margins in recent years and we think the home field advantage will be key like it has proven to be in the last three years. VB NSW Cup boys by 8.
Article source: http://www.sportal.com.au/rugby-union-news-display/smith-to-start-for-brumbies-243918
VB NSW Cup v QLD Residents preview
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