North Queensland coach Barry Gibson has echoed his captain's thought and backed his region to prove they are worthy of a NEAFL side ahead of Sunday's game against South Queensland in Brisbane.
The Townsville-based coach will bring the team together in Brisbane tomorrow morning, but has spoken to every player individually abouth their role as they attempt to put on a show for the AFL Queensland gallery that will assemble at the Moreton Bay Regional Sports Complex. He said he had no doubt his squad was capable of playing at NEAFL level and if North Queensland were included in the competitions's future, many spots in the squad could be filled by North Queenslanders.
"That was one of the mandates of selection, I know there was serious discussion about a team in North Queensland and a strong performance would give credence to that," Gibson said.
Gibson is faced with the task of bringing together a side that features players from competitions based almost 1000km apart.
"It's a big challenge, but every player knows their role and the senior guys in the team like Kane Richter and Matthew Walsh will be able to give the young blokes an idea of what it's all about," Gibson said.
"The average age of the side is 25.4, but as a rep coach I'm not really meant to teach them, just implement a game plan."
He said Saints' full forward Matthew Walsh, who is also vice-captain, would serve as a focal point up front, while heavy rotations take place around him and in the midfield.
Their midfield stocks were lessened with the late withdrawal of Zac Ewer and Billy English to injury, while Declan Kelly and Tim Lamprill were also unavailable after being initially selected.
Port Douglas Croc Damian Williams was a late inclusion in the squad on Wednesday night.
Gibson is confident they have the depth to cope.
North Queensland play South Queensland at 11.30am on Sunday in Brisbane.
North Queensland:
Clint Guy, Michael Fisher (vc), Scott Rowe, Jaon Di Betta, Rory Walton, Tyson Payne, Jermaine Wardle, Kane Richter (c), Matthew Walsh (vc), Adam Boone, Adam Mueller, Duncan Seden, Jesse Dixon, Cameron Adam, Michael Paul (vc), Brad Smith, Natahn Peters. Damian Williams, Luke Donohue, Jack Philp, Josh Hegarty, James Mueller, Cameron Duffy.
Last Modified on 06/11/2014 14:36