Eight Central Queensland University students are preparing to represent Queensland in Rugby League at the Australian University Championships being held in Brisbane on May 24. Rockhampton players Gerard Parle, Guy Williams, and Todd Brandon will be joined by Bundaberg’s Rowan Graham and Brisbane’s Ben Bourke in the Queensland open side to play NSW in the final of the Championship. Rockhampton’s Glen Egan, Chris Fleming, and Jo O’Callaghan have all been picked in the Queensland under 19 side which will also play NSW.

The open side will prepare for the match with a week long training camp on the Gold Coast commencing Monday under the watchful eye of former NQ Cowboys coach Murray Hurst, whilst the Under 19s will be based in Brisbane for their weeklong training.

CQU Student Association Sport, Clubs and Events Coordinator Brad Reid said the Rockhampton players hoped to continue the open side’s domination over NSW, which has seen the Championship trophy won by Queensland for the past eight years.

The matches will also serve as the selection trial for the open and under 19 Australian teams which will take on a touring Great Britain Academic Lions side in a two test series in July.

Ben Burke and Rowan Graham will be hoping to make the open team again, after touring Great Britain in 2002. For details call Brad Reid Sports, Clubs and Events Coordinator 4930 6941.

Photo: Rockhampton CQU Students preparing to pack down for Queensland include L to R Todd Brandon, Guy Williams, Chris Fleming, Glen Egan, Gerard Parle, and Jo O’Callaghan.