It may be two weeks away, but the City vs. Country (not to mention the inaugural South QLD vs. North QLD clash) has got lips moving across NSW and QLD. ASRL Weekly Magazine's Deric Gujjen today makes his bold predictions for the upcoming series.

CITY SQUAD
1: Anthony Minichiello
2: John Hopoate
3: Mark Gasnier
4: Michael DeVere
5: Hazem El Masri
6: Braith Anasta
7: Brent Sherwin
8: Jason Cayless
9: Dominik Bush
10: Solomon Haumona
11: David Lyons
12: Bryan Fletcher
13: Steve Menzies

14: Matt Geyer
15: Robbie Kearns
16: Mark O'Meley
17: Phil Waugh

Coach Anthony Magro would be best served throwing as many forwards at the versatile Country back as possible. The bench contains three of the hardest hitters in the league, as well as flexible Adelaide star, Matt Geyer. The inclusion of rookie sensation Dominik Bush in hooker ahead of Darren Senter adds some extra spark to the side, whilst a solid backline containing two established goal kickers will prove invaluable to the side in a close game. Minichiello's superior form sees him ahead of players like Hodgson.

COUNTRY SQUAD
1: Matthew Burke
2: Timana Tahu
3: Jamie Lyon
4: Matthew Gidley
5: Craig Hall
6: Trent Barrett
7: Preston Campbell
8: Jason Ryles
9: George Gregan
10: Willie Mason
11: Ben Kennedy
12: Craig Fitzgibbon
13: Glenn Morrison

14: Shaun Timmins
15: Luke Davico
16: Nathan Hindmarsh
17: Steve Simpson

A more flexible bench will be Country's biggest asset. Simpson and Hindmarsh are both ball-playing forwards, whilst Davico has been scoring plenty of tries for Gold Coast. Timmins, normally a starter, will be a great replacement anywhere in the side. With Danny Buderus already named in the NSW squad, Gregan plumbs familiar territory whilst Brisbane's latest signing, Preston Campbell, will command the troops. The backline is relatively young, with Darwin's Craig Hall in better form than experienced team-mate, Adam MacDougall. Burke has been the form ASRL fullback, and should wrap up the #1 Blues jersey in this match.

Just predictions, but sane ones.

ASRL Weekly Magazine

Actually, I'd put Craig Wing in hooker and shift Dominik Bush into 16 to boot Mark O'Meley out.

Chris

City Coach Anthony Magro has come forward to speak on the City selection.

"There is not one person that I have as a definate squad member for the 2003 City squad. I'll admit that there are certain players that have impressed me but there is more than naming a squad. We need combinations and we need players that play football as a team but can rise to earn Origin selection." said Magro

"At the moment Criag Wing, Braith Anasta and Steve Menzies look to have secured a jersey but there is still another round to be playerd... all I can say is that its anyones ball game, just prove your worth!" said Magro

When asked if his son will be playing for City, Magro said "Scott is a very talanted young football who will have a future in this game. His form and leadership which has lead Fairfield to the second positioning on the ladder will be carefully looked over. Steve Menzies is playing great football at the moment but who knows. Anything could happen."

"Representitive football is the ultimate in a footballers career and I am disappointed about the rumours I would either have a favouritism or non-selection of my Falcons players because of our Clash against Gold Coast is a joke. I honour my role as the City coach and I wouldn't do anything to cause doubt for next years selection. Yes round 11 is going to be a tough match without half of our squad but this will be a time for our young guns to shine, to prove their worth. I can tell you that Jason Hetherington will return to Lock, Guiseppi Magro will run on as Fullback and Darren Britt will return to Prop."

This is going to be a match which should not be missed. Both teams will look very strong but a possible factor to consider is the coaching. It will be interesting how both coaches will prepare their squads.

David Drainman
Sydney Times

i say boot dominik bush out of the team. lol. give him back to poor ol soofas