Lolesio to lead Brumbies attack in round one against the Reds

Wed, Jan 29, 2020, 12:30 AM
Brumbies.rugby
by Brumbies.rugby
Lolesio steered the Brumbies magnificently in their lone trial against the Rebels Photo: Lachlan Lawson
Lolesio steered the Brumbies magnificently in their lone trial against the Rebels Photo: Lachlan Lawson

Plus500 Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has named four Super Rugby first-timers in the side that will take on the Reds in their Super Rugby opener on Friday night at GIO Stadium. 

Academy product, Noah Lolesio gets first chance in the number 10 jersey on debut while NRL convert, Solomone Kata will also make his first Super Rugby appearance starting on the wing after a strong performance in the side's trial match against the Melbourne Rebels in Albury last week.

Returning Canberra-local, Harry Lloyd and young flyhalf, Bayley Kuenzle are in line to make their Super Rugby debuts off the bench with former Rebels and Waratahs backrower, Will Miller and home-again lock, Caderyn Neville selected to represent the Brumbies jersey for the first time.

Towering duo Murray Douglas and Darcy Swain will get the first opportunity to partner in the second row with Allan Alaalatoa to lead the side out at GIO Stadium after being unveiled as the side's captain last week. 

The Plus500 Brumbies will host an open Captain's Run on Thursday morning at GIO Stadium from 9:30am.

Plus500 Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said: "It's always a hard decision to pick just 23 players out of a squad that's been working so hard  during preseason."

"I'm really pleased for the guys that are going to make their debuts on Friday night.  Noah and Harry have both come through the Brumbies Academy, while Bayley has been waiting for a opportunity for some time and Sol has been really impressive since arriving in Canberra.

"As a team we're really looking forward to opening our season in front of our home supporters, our region has been going through a tough time and we have an opportunity to make them smile on Friday night at GIO Stadium."

Plus500 Brumbies round one 

1. Scott Sio
2. Folau Fainga'a
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c)
4. Darcy Swain
5. Murray Douglas
6. Rob Valetini
7. Tom Cusack
8. Pete Samu
9. Joe Powell
10. Noah Lolesio*
11. Tom Wright
12. Irae Simone
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Solomone Kata*
15. Tom Banks

Replacements 

16. Connal McInerney
17. Harry Lloyd*
18. James Slipper
19. Caderyn Neville^
20. Will Miller^
21. Ryan Lonergan
22. Bayley Kuenzle*
23. Andy Muirhead

*Denotes Super Rugby debut
^Denotes Plus500 Brumbies debut 

The side will kick off their 2020 Super Rugby season against the Reds at GIO Stadium on Friday night at the earlier time of 7:15pm. Tickets available here

 
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