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ADDED SUNDAY 29/06/2008 2008 SCHOOLBOY TRIALS They wrap up today here in Qld, you can find the draw here. Friday night saw AIC 2 up in a close one against CSS 2, by 19 to 17, CSS 1 knock over GPS 2 by 6 to nil and GPS 1 defeat AIC 1 by 38 to 21. Of course trials like this lead to alot of speculation on selections and who should be where and who is right and who is wrong. Happens every selection thingy that goes on, every time. Everyone has an opinion, and it all gives everyone something to talk about. The reality is though, that coach Jones has won two Nationals, in the past two years, with Qld 2 and Qld 1, so he must have a pretty fair idea of what it takes to play in and be successful in the Nationals in Canberra. I will say however, that when a side is completely dominated in trial matches like this, it is very hard for anyone to stand out in a game like rugby. Matches that are heavily weighted to one side give individuals that may be talented enough to take the next step, little opportunity to showcase any ability. I have never been a massive fan of trial matches without a good knowledge of players and their abilities, and mental makeups. That's difficult I know, but important to get the mix right. The next bit then is, a couple of people you may not know shine in one or two games, and look to be the goods. The question is always going to be there, can they do that at the next level, under pressure and across the week of higher pressure matches at the nationals. The selection policy is openly available by the way on the qrfsu website, so those of us in rugby land that think we know, can then hone our thoughts around that process as well. Most of the chat I heard around the ridges on Thursday and Friday night was along the lines of Qld 1 basically coming out of GPS 1. It is easy to go that way, and fall into that trap. Based on my viewing of the two nights footy, the best 10 for example was playing in CSS 2 on night one, followed by Ambrosini from AIC 2. Rob Speed from TGS I feel should/must feature in the Qld sides backrows somewhere, he has had two very strong nights of play. Finegan from CSS 1 is also surely a certainty with two very big nights under his belt. The 15 from CSS 2 on night one also should be challenging somewhere for a spot. Where will they play Stef? Will they play him at 10, or shift him into the 12 slot? Junior from Churchie probably did enough to get a call up somewhere too, demonstrated some nice straight running at 12 outside Stef. At hooker, don't discount Freney from GPS 2, small, but gee I thought he was very good across two nights of footy. Shane Imo from State High was also very good at 12 on Friday night for GPS 2. Most speculation seems to be centred around the backrow, and back 5. Who will be there fro Qld 1. For those of us that were there, those that didn't have to play, or got pulled early, give an indication as to who will be selected where for Qld 1. All said and done, we will know a little bit later on today.
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