The Classic Wallabies and Wallaroos have embraced country Queensland ahead of 'Beef Week' in Rockhampton.
The program sees a plethora of Wallabies and Wallaroos legends head up to the region as they gave back to communities, running a series of clinics, events and activities for the local kids and residents.
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It will be headlined by a matchup between the Classics and the Beef Barbarians in Rockhampton on Friday.
The Barbarians team is made up of beef producers and industry identities especially drafted in celebration of Beef 2021 - the triennial Beef Australia week-long expo.
For Lote Tuqiri, the opportunity to reconnect and spread the game was a wonderful opportunity to be involved in.
“It’s been great getting out into the rural communities to spread the game…they’re probably communities that are a bit starved as compared to Sydney clubs in terms of getting people out there so I think it’s great,” Tuqiri told Rugby.com.au
“The Classic Wallabies and Wallaroos have been given the chance to come out here so it’s been great to get out and help the kids train and be with the locals.
“There’s a real appreciation of us coming out. The kids come to life and they appreciate the effort that we make to get out here and they want to learn. There is a thirst for rugby out here.
“It’s great to get that participation up in the Queensland Country area."
Former Wallaroos captain Selena Worsley believes the program provides the opportunity for kids to get recognised in order to take the next step within the pathways.
“I think it’s big for kids in rural areas, I grew up in West Bundaberg so I think it’s important to show them that there are these pathways especially in these rural areas,” Worsley added.
“They don’t necessarily get the exposure to the Academies that the kids in the city do so to be able to host these clinics and ID talent gives them the confidence that they are good enough if they want to put the effort in.
“It’s showing in the regional areas, I know in Bundy, the competition is growing and showing girls that they do have those opportunities as well.”
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Tuqiri will captain an all-star lineup, with the likes of Stephen Moore, Nathan Sharpe and George Smith set to start for the Wallabies, although he's still trying to figure out how he got the (c) next to his name.
“I don’t know how. I think it’s because I’m the first to arrive,” he joked.
“I don’t think anyone’s actually captained from the wing so I might try and move into 13.
“I’m honored to be truthful with you. It’s always an honour to get to represent an Australian team and be captain so I’m pretty excited for that.”
Classic Wallabies team list
- Tatafu POLOTA-NAU
- Stephen MOORE
- Guy SHEPHERDSON
- Nathan SHARPE
- Radike SAMO
- Beau ROBINSON
- Ben MOWEN
- George SMITH
- Nick FRISBY
- Digby IOANE
- Lachie TURNER
- Patrick MCCUTCHEON
- Morgan TURINUI
- Lote TUQIRI (c)
- Rod DAVIES
- Nathan CHARLES
- Sean HARDMAN
- Mark CHISHOLM
- Will CALDWELL
- Mark CONNORS
- Justin HARRISON
- Barry LEA
- Sam CORDINGLEY
Wallaroo Ambassador: Shirley RUSSELL
Wallaroo Ambassador: Selena WORSLEY
