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USC players to give NSW a league lesson
Two Sunshine Coast trainee teachers hope to hand out a league lesson to NSW when they play the curtain-raiser to the Round 7 NRL clash at Suncorp Stadium on Friday 24 April.
Gary Jackson, 19, and James Boyce, 20, who are both studying Education at the University of the Sunshine Coast, have been named in the 2009 Queensland Universities Rugby League squad.
Darren Lockyer fan Gary can’t wait to play the interstate grudge match against a NSW Students side before the Brisbane Broncos take on Parramatta Eels.
“It’s come as a bit of a shock but it’ll be great,” said Gary, who’s played second row for the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles for the past two years.
He moved from Roma to start studying at USC last year with the aim of becoming a high school teacher in physical education and maths.
“I decided to come to USC after a few mates from back home told me how much they’d loved it,” he said. “Plus Brisbane’s too hectic for me.”
James, from Nambour, decided to study a Bachelor of Education and Human Services to become a primary school teacher.
“I’m the eldest of six kids and I like helping them,” said the former Nudgee College student.
He said selection in the Queensland team offered great opportunities.
“I’ve never played a big stadium like that, or against New South Wales,” he said. “We go to camp in Brisbane on Monday and meet the new boys. Gaz and I are good mates, so it’ll be fantastic to have someone I know there too.”
After the “state of origin” style match, an Australian Students side will be selected for an international tour.
– Julie Gatehouse