EXILED Reds and Wallabies stars Quade Cooper and Karmichael Hunt will return to high level rugby on Sunday after being handed a National Rugby Championship lifeline by Brisbane City.
Reds coach Brad Thorn didn’t want either Cooper or Hunt around his squad during the 2018 Super Rugby season so they were left to play Brisbane club rugby instead.
But City coach Mick Heenan is delighted to have the high profile playmakers, with Cooper set to start at five-eighth and Hunt at outside centre against the revived Western Force on Sunday (3pm AEST, live on Fox Sports).
Heenan told The Courier Mail that the pair had clicked in a trial match last weekend.
“We saw the value immediately of Quade and Karmichael as experienced players who can boss the team when needed and communicate well,” Heenan said.
“Karmichael best suits our make up of players as a physical outside centre so he’ll be starting on Sunday, as will Quade.”
Hunt has been out in the cold since battling cocaine charges in court.
“Everyone who knows me understands I’m not perfect but I do my best to give everything to family, friends and football,” Hunt said.
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But while Cooper and Hunt may hog the early headlines, there are plenty of other great stories to watch out for in the 2018 season which kicks off in Fiji on Saturday.
More matches will be played at suburban club and regional grounds as Rugby Australia look to grow their community connections.
Fox Sports will again provide coverage of every game with no ad breaks during play.
Two matches per week will be broadcast live on TV, with the remaining two games available to stream live via foxsports.com.au/live and the Fox Sports app.
Fox Sports’ expert commentary team — featuring Drew Mitchell, Cameron Shepherd, Greg Martin, Rod Kafer, Stephen Hoiles, Sean Maloney, Andrew Swain, Louise Ransome and Natalie Yoannidis — will guide viewers through the nine week competition.
The competition has reverted to eight teams this season with the Greater Sydney Rams folding while the Force have replaced the Perth Spirit out west.
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“The National Rugby Championship has continued to grow each year and in its fifth season we are strengthening its connection with community clubs,” RA chief executive Raelene Castle said.
“The NRC continues to be an important competition for the development of our elite rugby talent and is also a showcase of the best club rugby players in the country, testing themselves in a genuine national competition.
“Off the back of some strong club rugby competitions this year, the NRC gives fans more quality rugby to follow right throughout September and October after the club season is over.
“There are matches being played at local venues right across the country in 2018, whether you are heading down to your local ground to watch your team or catching it through the live coverage of every match on Fox Sports.”
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2018 season.
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BRISBANE CITY
THE SQUAD: Adam Korczyk (c), Feao Fotuaika, JP Smith, Ruan Smith, Misioka Timotea, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Andrew Ready, Moli Sooaemalelagi, Nathan Den Hoedt, Jeremiah Lynch, Zach Moimoi, Lukhan Tui, Jale Vakaloloma, Matt Gicquel, Michael Gunn, Reece Hewat, Fraser McReight, Pat Morrey, Tuaina Tualima, Dillon Wihongi, Scott Gale, Moses Sorovi, Quade Cooper, James Dalgleish, Con Foley, Matt Gordon, Samu Kerevi, Isaac Lucas, Lawson Creighton, Alex Gibbon, Karmichael Hunt, Lachlan Maranta, Jayden Ngamanu, Emori Waqavulagi
COACH: Mick Heenan
PLAYER TO WATCH: Reece Hewat
Cooper and Hunt are obvious answers but also keep an eye on former Australia under-20 captain Reece Hewat.
Born in South Africa, the powerful No 8’s ball carrying ability and all around game caught the eye of former Wallabies backrower Stephen Hoiles at the 2017 under-20 world championship.
LAST YEAR: 6th
A middling season for City, winning four of their eight matches.
TITLE ODDS: $13
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“We’ve managed to pull together a diverse group,” coach Mick Heenan said.
“We’ve got a mix of guys who can roll up their sleeves and others who offer some X factor out wide and you need both those elements to be successful in this competition.
“It was tough to finish the way we did last season, just missing out on finals.
“Consistency throughout the season hurt us, but we felt we were on the right track.
“We’ll build on that experience.”
DID YOU KNOW?
— City were the first club to win back to back NRC titles (2014 and 2015).
— Have an excellent home record with 15 wins from 19 games (79%), the best in the competition’s history.
— Had the worst goalkicking percentage in the competition last season (61.4%).
— Were the only team to not take a single penalty kick at goal in 2017.
CANBERRA VIKINGS
THE SQUAD: Ben Hyne (c), Jacob Abel, Rory Arnold, Tom Banks, Max Bode, BJ Edwards, Blake Enever, Folau Fainga’a, Vunipola Fifita, Seth Going, Mack Hansen, Wharenui Hawera, Len Ikitau, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Luke Kimber, Brodie Leber, Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan, Josh Mann-Rea, Connal McInerney, Andy Muirhead, Michael Oakman-Hunt, Chance Peni, Pedro Rolando, Tom Ross, Irae Simone, Darcy Swain, Lausii Taliauli, Sione Taula, Mitch Tye, Rob Valetini
COACH: Nick Scrivener
PLAYER TO WATCH: Tom Banks
The Brumbies star made his Wallabies debut off the bench in the Bledisloe Cup loss at Eden Park and may get further opportunities throughout the Rugby Championship despite the likely return of Israel Folau.
For now though, Vikings fans will get to see the speedy fullback strut his stuff in the season opener against Queensland Country on Saturday.
LAST YEAR: Grand finalists
The Vikings edged Perth Spirit 40-35 in a thrilling semifinal before losing 42-28 to Queensland Country in the decider.
TITLE ODDS: $6
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“I am very pleased with the squad that we have put together,” coach Nick Scrivener said.
“I believe it is an excellent blend of youth and experience and has the potential to play a fast paced running game as well as being physical at the set piece and difficult to contain.”
DID YOU KNOW?
— The Vikings averaged the most points per game (42.1) in the NRC last season.
— Conceded the equal fewest tries per game (3.8) and the second fewest points per game (26.3) in the competition last season.
— Had the best goalkicking percentage in the NRC last season (79%).
— Nick Scrivener is the fifth coach in five seasons for the Vikings, after Dan McKellar (2014), Brad Harris (2015), Wayne Southwell (2016) and Tim Sampson (2017).
SYDNEY RAYS
THE SQUAD : Damien Fitzpatrick (c), Rory O’Connor, Matt Sandell, JP Sauni, David Vea, Shambeckler Vui, Cameron Betham, Connor Vest, Nick Palmer, Hugh Sinclair, Ryan McCauley, Jack Dempsey, Lachlan Swinton, Michael Wells, Josh Kemeny, Maclean Jones, Jack Johnson, Mitch Short, Nick Duffy, Theo Strang, Will Harrison, Stu Dunbar, Enoka Muliufi, Harry Burey, Lalakai Foketi, Curtis Rona, Pama Fou, Latu Latunipulu, James Ramm, Cameron Clark, Tim Clements, Tyson Davis, Guy Porter
COACH: Chris Whitaker
PLAYER TO WATCH: Pama Fou
The former Aussie sevens star has had a wretched run of bad luck, and missed out on the 2016 Olympics after rupturing his ACL when stepping out of his shower.
Now back in XVs, he was contracted to the Rebels in 2017 but is yet to play a Super Rugby game after battling further injuries.
The winger’s strong form for Eastwood got him a run in the Wallabies’ trial match in June and he should cause NRC defences problems this season.
LAST YEAR: 8th
Finished with a three win, five loss record but should be stronger with only two NSW teams in this year’s comp.
TITLE ODDS: $13
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“With his experience and standing at the Waratahs, Damien Fitzpatrick was always the leading contender for the captaincy,” coach Chris Whitaker said.
“I’m more than comfortable with him leading the side as from what I have seen here in the short time that I have been back from France, is that he is one of those guys who drives the standards.
“We can talk all we like about what we are going to do but it’s always great to have like minded people in the playing group making sure that we actually walk that talk.”
DID YOU KNOW?
— Former Wallabies halfback and Rays coach Chris Whitaker will be an assistant at the Waratahs next season.
— Waratahs lock Nick Palmer is back in the NRC after a season in New Zealand’s Mitre 10 Cup with Hawke’s Bay last year.
— The Rays have the round one bye given many of their players are involved in the Shute Shield final between Sydney University and Warringah Rats.
FIJIAN DRUA
THE SQUAD: Mosese Voka (c) Albert Tuisue, Alifereti Rabukawaqa, Alivereti Veitokani, Apisalome Waqatabu, Apisalome Vota, Aporosa Tabulawaki, Asesela Atunaisa, Apete Daveta, Cyril Reece, Enele Malele, Eroni Mawi, Eremasi Radrodro, Filimoni Seru, Frank Lomani, Joeli Veitayaki, Johnny Dyer, Jona Sawailau, Jone Manu, Jone Navori, Levani Kurumudu, Luke Tagi, Mateo Qolisese, Mesu Dolakoto, Mosese Ducivaki, Peni Matawalu, Peni Naulago, Peni Raidre, Poasa Waqanibau, Ratu Naisa Navuma, Seru Vularika, Tevita Naqali, Vugakoto Veremalua
COACH: Senirusi Seruvakula
PLAYER TO WATCH: Frank Lomani
The combative halfback has a real nose for the tryline, scoring in his last five NRC games and also crossing four times in his last three Tests.
Lomani spent time at the Rebels this year but did not see any Super Rugby gametime.
LAST YEAR: 3rd
A strong debut season for the Drua, who finished with a four win, four loss record but lost in the semifinals to champions Queensland Country.
TITLE ODDS: $7
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“It’s another big step up from local rugby here in Fiji and a lot of exposure for our local boys,” coach Senirusi Seruvakula said.
“It is so different the way we prepared in this NRC level from the provincial level so it’s a big step and a big learning for them take from last season to this year.”
DID YOU KNOW?
— The Drua won four of their first six games in 2017 but then lost three straight to bow out in the semis.
— Former police officer and powerful backrower Albert Tuisue has returned to Fiji after playing for the now defunct Greater Sydney Rams last season.
— Will play their round one game at Vodafone Ratu Cakobau Park, the first time the venue has hosted an NRC game.
MELBOURNE RISING
THE SQUAD: Angus Cottrell (c), Fereti Sa’aga, Tom Moloney, Mees Erasmus, Anaru Rangi, Andrew Tuala, Feta Luamanu, Laurie Weeks, Pone Fa’amausili, Jermaine Ainsley, Trevor Hosea, Esei Ha’angana, Matt Philip, Sakaria Noa, Richard Hardwick, Ikapote Tupai, George Noa, Rob Leota, Isi Naisarani, Michael Ruru, Harrison Goddard, Archie King, Jack Maddocks, Angelo Leaupepe, Sione Tui, Sione Tuipulotu, Billy Meakes, Fabian Goodall, Tom English, Kiti Ratu, Sefa Naivalu, Justin Masters, Kemu Valetini
COACH: Eoin Toolan
PLAYER TO WATCH: Angus Cottrell
The unheralded flanker was selected in the 2018 Australian Super Rugby players’ choice team of the year — a real show of respect from his peers.
The 28-year-old Rising captain also played well in the recent Wallabies trial match in Sydney and Michael Cheika could do worse if injury strikes his squad.
LAST YEAR: 9th
Wooden spooners with a 1-7 record in 2017 under coach Zane Hilton, who has been replaced by Rebels performance analyst Eion Toolan this season.
TITLE ODDS: $14
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“There are a couple of really exciting players to come out of Dewar Shield this year,” coach Eoin Toolan said.
“Obviously Melbourne Unicorns had an exceptional year and were undoubtedly the best team in the competition so for Sakaria Noa and George Noa to make the 33 is probably a fair reflection on how the team performed.
“Both those two guys really stood out individually for that team so I’m really excited to see those two brothers.”
DID YOU KNOW?
— Last season was the first time the Rising have missed the NRC semifinals.
— They finished 2017 with their fewest points per game (24.1) while also conceding their most points per game (44.6) in club history.
— Kitione Ratu made the equal most linebreaks (12) for the Rising last season, alongside Jack Maddocks.
NSW COUNTRY EAGLES
THE SQUAD: Paddy Ryan (c), Matt Gibbon, Cody Walker, Hugh Roach, Andrew Tuala, Mahe Vailanu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Robert Lagudi, Christopher Talakai, Emmanuel Meafou, Tom Staniforth, Alex Humfrey, Sam Thomson, Will Miller, Brad Wilkin, Rory Suttor, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Patrick Tafa, Jed Holloway, Sam Ward, Jack Grant, Jake Gordon, Mick Snowden, Angus Sinclair, Mack Mason, Rohan Saifoloi, Apolosi Latunipulu, Sebastian Wileman, Alex Newsome, William McDonnell, Denny Godinet, Jaline Graham, Harry Jones, Lachlan Creagh, Alex Gibbon, Alex Northam
COACH: Darren Coleman
PLAYER TO WATCH: Mack Mason
A forgotten man of Australian rugby, Mason has made just two Super Rugby appearances for the Waratahs with Bernard Foley and Bryce Hegarty blocking his path to gametime.
But the 22-year-old five-eighth is still on the radar of the Wallabies, and impressed Drew Mitchell with his maturity and communication during the pre-Bledisloe Cup camp.
LAST YEAR: 5th
Finished in a three way tie for fourth on points but lost out on a semifinals spot to the Perth Spirit on differential.
TITLE ODDS: $7
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“Last year hurt,” coach Darren Coleman told rugby.com.au.
“It wasn’t the first time we’ve been bumped out in those sorts of circumstances either unfortunately, but that’s just how footy goes.
“We’ve been there or thereabouts and competed well the last few years, so we know within ourselves what we can do to improve.”
DID YOU KNOW?
— Coach Darren Coleman is also in charge of the Warringah Rats, who are defending their Shute Shield title against Sydney University on Saturday.
— The Eagles have the bye in round one because of club rugby commitments.
— The Eagles squad features former Bulldogs under-20s star Jaline Graham.
WESTERN FORCE
THE SQUAD: Ian Prior (c), AJ Alatimu, Chris Alcock, Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Rod Davies, Andrew Deegan, Tevin Ferris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Joshua Furno, Peter Grant, Chris Heiberg, Feleti Kaitu’u, Maalonga Konelio, Brad Lacey, Fergus Lee-Warner, Harrison Lloyd, Kieran Longbottom, Jack McGregor, Cameron Orr, Harrison Orr, George Pisi, Leon Power, Harry Scoble, Thomas Sheminant, Brynard Stander, Henry Stowers, Henry Taefu, Heath Tessmann, Jeremy Thrush, Carlo Tizzano, Elliot Turner, Clay Uyen, Markus Vanzati, Marcel Brache, Dane Haylett-Petty, Rodney Iona
COACH: Tim Sampson
PLAYER TO WATCH: Jeremy Thrush
The former All Blacks lock has signed a two year contract with the Force and is looking forward to passing on his knowledge to some up and coming local stars.
“I’m further down the line in my career now, the big thing about coming over here was to be able to help some of the younger guys, and give them any tips along the way,” Thrush said.
LAST YEAR: 4th (as Perth Spirit)
A 4-4 season was a reasonable return before falling 40-35 in a thrilling semifinal against the Canberra Vikings.
TITLE ODDS: $3.25
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“I am really excited for the opportunity to play back in Perth in front of friends and family,” Wallaby Dane Haylett-Petty said.
“Watching on from Melbourne, they’re doing great things growing the game and creating a pathway from community rugby through to professional level.
“I’m looking forward to getting back when I’m not involved with the Wallabies.
“It gives me a chance to stay involved with rugby in WA and give back in whatever capacity I can.”
DID YOU KNOW?
— Under the World Series Rugby banner the Force played seven matches this year, including a clash with the Supe Rugby champion Crusaders.
— As Perth Spirit, won the NRC in 2016, defeating NSW Country Eagles in Tamworth.
— Are the holders of the Horan Little Shield after defeating Queensland Country last season.
— Captain Ian Prior is the all time leading point scorer for the Force NRC side (146).
QUEENSLAND COUNTRY
THE SQUAD : Duncan Paia’aua (c), Richie Asiata, Taniela Tupou, Kirwan Sanday, Fred Burke, Harry Hoopert, Jake Simeon, James Slipper, Alex Casey, Efi Ma’afu, Angus Blyth, Josh Fenner, Rob Puli’uvea, Izack Rodda, Harry Hockings, Angus Scott-Young, Liam Wright, Caleb Timu, Tainui Ford, Tom Kibble, Harry Wilson, Sunia Finefeuiaki, James Tuttle
Tate McDermott, Hamish Stewart, Teti Tela, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Tony Hunt, Daniel Boardman, Izaia Perese, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell, Joey Fittock, Patrick James
COACH: Rod Seib
PLAYER TO WATCH: James Slipper
The former Wallabies prop is back on the park after serving a ban for testing positive for cocaine.
Given Reds coach Brad Thorn’s zero tolerance policy, it seems unlikely Slipper’s Super Rugby future is in Queensland so the NRC is crucial for him to remind rival clubs of his talents.
Interestingly, Slipper will start the season opener on the unfamiliar tighthead side of the scrum.
LAST YEAR: Champions
It was a remarkable turnaround under coach Brad Thorn, who piloted Country from wooden spooners to trophy holders.
TITLE ODDS: $4.50
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“It’s an exciting time of the year, we’ve only had a short lead in but I’m really pleased with how the players have applied themselves at training and we’re prepared for Saturday,” coach Rod Seib said.
“We’ve got a large contingent of last year’s squad carrying through to this season, with 17 in the match day 23 for round one.
“It’s great to have some consistency in selection, while the players on debut have earned selection through their performances at training, club rugby and last weekend’s trial against City.”
DID YOU KNOW?
— Country last year scored the most points ever in an NRC grand rinal (42).
— Averaged the most tries per game (6.4) in last year’s NRC.
— Scored the most tries in the competition directly from turnover ball in 2017 (12).
— Conceded the fewest points per game (25.3) and equal fewest tries per game (6.8)
THE DRAW
Round One
Saturday 1 September
Fiji Drua v Melbourne Rising, Nausori, Ratu Cakobau Park, 3.00pm, streamed LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Canberra Vikings v Queensland Country, Canberra, Viking Park, 5.00pm, LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Sunday 2 September
Brisbane City v Western Force, Brisbane, Norths Rugby Club, 3.00pm, LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Wednesday 19 September*
Sydney v NSW Country, Sydney, Leichhardt Oval, 7.00pm, LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Round Two
Saturday 8 September
Fiji Drua v Brisbane City, Lautoka, Churchill Park, 3.00pm, streamed LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Sydney v Canberra Vikings, Sydney, Concord Oval, 3.00pm, LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Sunday 9 September
Queensland Country v Melbourne Rising, Townsville, Mike Carney Park, 3.00pm, LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Western Force v NSW Country Eagles, Perth, UWA Sports Park, 3.00pm, streamed LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Round Three
Saturday 15 September
Sydney v Brisbane City, Sydney, Woollahra Oval, 3.00pm, LIVE on FOX SPORTS
NSW Country v Melbourne Rising, Mudgee, Glen Willow Sports Stadium, 1.00pm, streamed LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Queensland Country v Fiji Drua, Mackay, BB Print Stadium, 1.00pm, streamed LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Sunday 16 September
Canberra Vikings v Western Force, Canberra, Viking Park, 3.00pm, LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Round Four
Saturday 22 September
Melbourne Rising v Brisbane City, Adelaide, Bailey Reserve, 12.30pm, streamed LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Queensland Country v Western Force, Gold Coast, Bond University, 3.00pm, LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Sunday 23 September
NSW Country Eagles v Canberra Vikings, Armidale, UNE Bellevue Oval, 1.00pm, streamed LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Sydney v Fiji Drua, Sydney, Concord Oval, 3.00pm, LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Round Five
Saturday 29 September
Fiji Drua v NSW Country Eagles, Nausori, Ratu Cakobau Park, 3.00pm, streamed LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Canberra Vikings v Melbourne Rising, Canberra, Viking Park, 7.00pm, LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Sunday 30 September
Brisbane City v Queensland Country, Toowong, Wests Rugby Club, 3.00pm, LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Western Force v Sydney, Perth, UWA Sports Park, 3.00pm, streamed LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Round Six
Saturday 6 October
Fiji Drua v Canberra Vikings, Lautoka, Churchill, 3.00pm, streamed LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Queensland Country v Sydney, Gold Coast, Bond University, 3.00pm, LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Sunday 7 October
NSW Country Eagles v Brisbane City, Camden, Camden Rugby Park, 3.00pm, streamed LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Melbourne Rising v Western Force, Geelong, GMHBA Stadium, 3.00pm, LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Round Seven
Saturday 13 October
NSW Country v Queensland Country, Tamworth, Scully Park, 3.00pm, LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Western Force v Fiji Drua, Perth, UWA Sports Park, 2.00pm, streamed LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Sunday 14 October
Melbourne Rising v Sydney, Ballarat, St Patrick’s School, 1.00pm, streamed LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Brisbane City v Canberra Vikings, Coorparoo, Easts Rugby Club, 2.00pm, LIVE on FOX SPORTS
Semi Finals
Saturday 20 October
1st v 4th
Sunday 21 October
2nd v 3rd
Final
Sunday 27 October
All times are local.
*Played later to accommodate the Shute Shield final
