Next week’s epic Harvey Norman State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium is not the only match in which state bragging rights will be on the line.
In what will be one of the most hotly contested clashes in years, the annual Residents match will see the best players from the VB NSW Cup up against the best players from the Intrust Super Cup in QLD.
It is a showcase of the emerging talent in the game with a host of fringe NRL talent in both squads and, for both states, the chance to show just which state league competition is the strongest.
It is traditionally played as a curtain raiser to game three of the Harvey Norman State of Origin Series each year however in previous years, the teams have also played against touring sides, and occasionally they act as opposition in warm-up fixtures for international sides.
The VB NSW Cup Representative Team boasts 12 players with NRL experience including the likes of Shane Shackleton who played City Origin in 2010 and Michael Oldfield who was a member of the 2011 Premiership winning Manly Sea Eagles side. Ten of the thirteen competing sides in the VB NSW Cup are represented in the squad and the side will be out for revenge after their disappointing 32-6 loss in 2011.
The Queensland Residents Team includes 10 players with NRL experience including outstanding Brisbane Broncos players Lachlan Maranta, Kurt Baptiste, Jarrod Wallace and Brendon Gibb. The talented quartet have all starred for the Norths Devils in the Intrust Super Cup. The Queensland team also includes five players from the Wynnum Manly Seagulls, the defending premiers and current competition leaders. Four players from the Redcliffe Dolphins will also line up for Queensland, with Liam Georgetown, Luke Capewell, Chris Farrell and Nick Slyney to wear the maroon.
Here are the links to the QLD and NSW line ups for next Wednesday:
New South Wales Residents Team
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