Final 18's Squad and Leadership Group Announced

The U18 Gold Coast Stingrays final squad was announced last night at the 2009 U18 Jumper Presentation. After a soild 2 months of training with an initial squad of 50, the squad of 25 to represent the Gold Coast in the upcoming state chamionships were given their playing jumpers and numbers for the carnival in a low key affiar at Carrara. (see the full list of players and numbers below)

Within the squad there were 8 players receiving a Stingrays representative jumper for the first time and 2 received their first jumper since under 14's. Coach David Ashkar aknowledge this on the night. "Its great to see so many new players be given the opportunity to step up and show us all what they can do at a higher level. I'm sure the group of boys this year will represent this proud region well" The squad this year is also made up of a large variety of different backgrounds with a number of different junior clubs being represented (see list below) and also a number of boys who haven't been playing the game very long getting the opportunity. 

On the night Ashkar announced the 5 man strong leadership group, who he beleived will be able to lead the team to a successful carnival. The leadership group consisted of - Joey Barrile, Ben Dovey, Adam Oehlman with Michael Barnes vice captain and Brodie Grant named captain. Ashkar beleived there is a good mix of expereince, personality and positions within the leadership group to ensure the team is well lead. "I think the boys got the mix right, we left it to the playing group to select who they wanted and I think they have come up with a terrific combination, that im sure will lead us well".

The Stingrays will play there first match of the carnival against the Suncoast Power on Saturday 7th March at Coorparoo starting at 4pm.