From Bachelor of Science, Business and Education degrees to apprentice builders, plumbers and electricians, the New South Wales and Queensland teams named today for the inaugural Toyota Under 20’s State of Origin feature players from a wide and varied range of study and work backgrounds.
NSWRL Chairman Mr John Chalk and QRL Chief Executive Officer Mr Robert Moore today announced the teams in Sydney and Brisbane respectively ahead of their clash at Penrith’s Centrebet Stadium on Saturday (April 21).
They will be coached by former Origin greats and now Melbourne Storm coaching colleagues, Dean Pay (NSW) and Kevin Walters (QLD).
All players selected have played in the Toyota Cup, while the GIO NSW team includes six players with NRL experience – Cheyse Blair (Eels), Jacob Miller (Wests Tigers), Harry Siejka (Panthers), Matt Groat (Wests Tigers), Boyd Cordner (Roosters) and Alex McKinnon (Knights).
More importantly, in line with the “No, work, no study, no play” policy of the Toyota Cup, eight of the players selected for the Under 20s Origin are studying at university; five are doing apprenticeships; four are in traineeships; 12 are doing Certificate III/ Diplomas; and seven are in general employment.
NRL Welfare and Education Manager, Mr Paul Heptonstall, said: “The most pleasing aspect about the players selected is that they have embraced the game’s work and study philosophy which has only complemented their development as players.”
Toyota Regional Manager – Eastern Region, Mr Tony Pepper, said: “Toyota is very excited to be involved with the inaugural Under 20s’s State of Origin event.
“We have been involved with the Toyota Cup since its inception and we see this as a natural progression from that very successful program.”
Toyota will donate an education grant to the Man of the Match on Saturday night.
The 2012 Queensland Under 20’s State of Origin team is:
| Position | Name |
Club |
Work/Study Commitments |
Fullback |
Lachlan Maranta |
Brisbane Broncos / |
Bachelor of Communication Griffith University |
Wing |
Hymel Hunt |
Gold Coast Titans |
Bachelor of Business |
Centre |
Tautau Moga |
Sydney Roosters |
Certificate 4 in Youth Work |
Centre |
Edrick Lee |
Canberra Raiders |
Certificate 3 in Sport and Rec; |
Wing |
Aaron Whitchurch |
Brisbane Broncos / |
Certificate 4 in Fitness |
Five-eighth |
Kurt Mann |
Newcastle Knights |
Apprentice Electrician |
Halfback |
Benjamin Hampton |
Melbourne Storm |
Cert 3 in Youth Work |
Prop |
Korbin Sims |
Newcastle Knights |
Apprentice Builder |
Hooker |
Alex Elisala |
North Queensland Cowboys |
Storeman |
Prop |
Dylan Napa |
Sydney Roosters |
Scaffolder |
Second row |
Caleb Timu |
Brisbane Broncos |
Bachelor of Education – Griffith University |
Second row |
Mitchell Frei |
Brisbane Broncos/ Norths Devils |
Labourer |
Lock |
Chris Grevsmuhl |
North Queensland Cowboys |
Sport and Recreation Traineeship |
Interchange: |
|||
|
Benn Malley |
Brisbane Broncos |
Bachelor of Education – QUT |
|
Corey Oates |
Brisbane Broncos |
Electrician Assistant |
|
Brandon Tago |
Sydney Roosters |
Certificate 3 in Sport and Recreation |
|
Moses Mbye |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs |
Cert 3 in Community Recreation & Primary School Teacher’s Aide |
18th man: |
Kirisome Auva'a |
Melbourne Storm |
Customer Service with Esanda Finance |
Coach: Kevin Walters (Melbourne Storm)
The 2012 GIO NSW Under 20’s State of Origin team is:
| Position | Name |
Club |
Work/Study Commitments |
Fullback |
Evander Cummins |
St George Illawarra Dragons |
Community Development Traineeship – Dragons |
Wing |
Young Tonumaipea |
Melbourne Storm |
Diploma Sports Development; La Mirage Reception Centre Manager |
Centre |
Cheyse Blair |
Parramatta Eels |
Certificate 4 in Fitness |
Centre |
Ed Murphy |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs |
Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) Sydney Uni |
Wing |
Chanel Mata’Utia |
Newcastle Knights |
Labourer |
Five-eighth |
Harry Seijka |
Penrith Panthers |
Certificate 3 in Fitness |
Halfback |
Jacob Miller |
Wests Tigers |
Certificate 4 in Fitness |
Prop |
Matt Groat |
Wests Tigers |
Certificate 4 in Fitness |
Hooker |
Michael Lichaa |
Cronulla Sharks |
Apprentice Carpenter |
Prop |
Kane Evans |
Sydney Roosters |
Diploma of Management |
Second row |
Alex McKinnon |
Newcastle Knights |
Bachelor of Construction Management, Newcastle Uni |
Second row |
Boyd Cordner |
Sydney Roosters |
Certificate 4 in Building Construction |
Lock |
Vaipuna Tia Kilifi |
Penrith Panthers |
Primary School Teacher’s Aide – Werrington Public School |
Interchange: |
|||
|
Paul Carter |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs |
Bachelor of Human Movement, Aust College of Physical Education |
|
Jack Stockwell |
St George Illawarra Dragons/ Cutters |
Bachelor of Exercise Science, University of Wollongong |
|
David Klemmer |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs |
Apprentice Horticulturist, Belmore Sports Ground |
|
Shannon Boyd |
Canberra Raiders |
Business Admin Traineeship |
18th Man: |
Lachlan Burr |
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs |
Apprentice Carpenter |
Coach: Dean Pay (Melbourne Storm)
General Details
The teams will assemble at the Chifley Penrith Panthers at 4pm on Wednesday, April 18, for medicals and their induction.
Naming Right Sponsor:
Toyota
Other Major Sponsors:
National Anti-Tobacco Campaign (back of jersey)
GIO (NSW); NOVA FM (Queensland)
Match Details: Date: Saturday, April 21 Venue: Centrebet Stadium, Penrith Kick-off Time: 7:30pm
Tickets:
FREE entry for 2012 NRL Club Members or any Junior Pass Holders (note Junior Pass must be activated prior to 5pm Wednesday April 18)
Available through ProTicket
Prices: $10 (Adults); $5 (Juniors – 4-15yrs); $25 (Family) - This is a General Admission event
Online: www.proticket.com.au
Phone: 1300 12 10 12
Outlet: ProTicket Outlets