The Illawarriors have continued their dominance in the 2013 NSW GrainCorp Country Cockatoos squad, announced today, Wednesday, 27 March 2013.
Ten Illawarriors players have been selected in the 29-man extended squad which will attend training camp over two weekends before playing matches against Queensland Country, NSW Sydney Suburban and ACT in May 2013.
Leading the selection list from the Illawarra is captain brother cell phone list and NSW Country Championships player of the year Gavin Holder (Camden). Joining Holder in the Cockatoos' forward pack is fellow backrower and new Cockatoos cap Paul Tuala (University), as well as the impressive Illawarriors front row contingent which also includes Joel Diggins (Vikings), new cap Horrie Leaf (University) and James Smith (Shoalhaven).
The Illawarriors also have a strong lineup in the Cockatoos backline, with flyhalf Ben Greentree (Camden) and fullback Don Nepia retaining their places. This year they are joined by new caps Lee Russell (Camden), Jed Gardiner (University) and Eli Cinotti (Avondale).
Cockatoos coach Col Jeffs said he was "pleased with the squad composition and was confident the teams selected for the various matches would perform well for NSW Country." He added "A number of factors had to be taken into account in the selection, particularly the unavailability of a number of players due to work, injury and other commitments, but stressed it was a very strong group of players."
Congratulations to Daniel Grehan (Kiama) who has been selected in the front row alongside outside backs Rhys Peters (Shamrocks) and Matthew Lee (University).
On behalf of the Illawarra rugby community, congratulations to our 13 senior NSW Country representative players for 2013.