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 /
Norths Devils

Bachelor of Communication Griffith University

Wing

Hymel Hunt

Gold Coast Titans

Bachelor of Business
Griffith University

Centre

Tautau Moga

Sydney Roosters

Certificate 4 in Youth Work

Centre

Edrick Lee

Canberra Raiders

Certificate 3 in Sport and Rec;
Car Detailer

Wing

Aaron Whitchurch

Brisbane Broncos /
Redcliffe Dolphins

Certificate 4 in Fitness

Five-eighth

Kurt Mann

Newcastle Knights

Apprentice Electrician

Halfback

Benjamin Hampton

Melbourne Storm

Cert 3 in Youth Work
Business Admin Traineeship

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