Several high-profile rugby league players are poised to showcase their wares in a pre-season NRL encounter on the Sunshine Coast.
The Melbourne Storm and the Gold Coast Titans have named impressive squads for their clash, which is expected to be a sell-out at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday.
The Storm will gear up for life beyond Ryan Papenhuyzen when exciting speedster Sualauvi Faalogo plays fullback.
Captain Cameron Munster will also appear for the first time this year.
Nine players who featured in last year’s grand final loss are expected to take to the field, including Queensland representatives Harry Grant and Trent Leoiro.
Like stories that inform, connect and celebrate the Sunshine Coast? So do we. Join an independent local news revolution by subscribing to our FREE daily news feed at the bottom of this article.
The Titans have named a full-strength side, with new coach Josh Hannay unveiling a 1-17 that looks very close to what he will play in round one.
Captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is set to play, while Keano Kini is at fullback, with new halves combination AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell combining in their first hit-out of the year.
The match kicks off at 7.10pm.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said the stadium should be packed.
“With a venue capacity of 10,500, this event is expected to sell out, with more than 5500 tickets already sold and sales continuing to accelerate as game day approaches,” they said.
Meanwhile, the Brisbane Broncos made the most of a pre-season trial against the Sunshine Coast Falcons in wet conditions at Sunshine Coast Stadium last weekend. The reigning premiers won 26-14. More than 7000 tickets were sold for the contest.
The rugby league games are among a host of sports events on the Sunshine Coast to start the year. The Queensland Open beach volleyball tournament, Queensland Oztag Junior State Cup and AFL teams’ pre-season training have been held, while the Queensland Surf Life Saving Championships were scheduled to be held at Maroochydore from February 19-22 and February 27-March 1.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the Sunshine Coast was a place where sport, community and visitors could come together in the most spectacular way.
“These events showcase world-class talent against our stunning backdrop, create unforgettable experiences and support the businesses that make our region thrive,” she said.
“I encourage everyone to get involved, cheer from the sidelines and enjoy our summer playground of live sports action.”
Trial teams
Melbourne Storm: 1 Sua Fa’alogo, 2 Will Warbrick, 3 Marion Seve, 4 Nick Meaney, 5 Moses Leo, 6 Cameron Munster, 7 Tyran Wishart, 8 Stefano Utoikamanu, 9 Harry Grant, 10 Josh King, 11 Joe Chan, 12 Ativalu Lisati, 13 Alec MacDonald, 14 Trent Toelau, 15 Cooper Clarke, 16 Davvy Moale, 17 Trent Loiero, 18 Angus Hinchey, 19 Gabriel Satrick, 20 Preston Conn, 21 Manaia Waitere, 22 Hugo Peel, 23 Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown, 24 Mitchell Jennings, 25 Jack Hetherington, 26 Amare Milford, 27 Lazarus Vaalepu.
Gold Coast Titans: 1 Keano Kini, 2 Phillip Sami, 3 Max Feagai, 4 Jojo Fifita, 5 Sialetili Faeamani, 6 AJ Brimson, 7 Jayden Campbell, 8 Moeaki Fotuaika, 9 Sam Verrills, 10 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11 Josh Patston, 12 Beau Fermor, 13 Chris Randall, 14 Kurtis Morrin, 15 Klese Haas, 16 Tukimihia Simpkins, 17 Cooper Bai, 18 Jett Liu, 19 Jensen Taumoepeau, 20 Arama Hau, 21 Lachlan Ilias, 22 Zane Harrison, 23 Luke Sommerton, 24 Jaylan De Groot.
