Surprise Packets Aberdeen Impress Group 21 Selectors

Newcastle Herald

Friday April 8, 2005

Craig Kerry - Up the Valley

ABERDEEN'S shock 24-20 win over defending champions Muswellbrook on Sunday has helped them gain the biggest representation in the 21-man preliminary Group 21 rugby league squad named this week.

The Tigers have six in the squad, which will be cut to a final team after the fourth round of Scanlon Shield pre-season selection trials tomorrow at Aberdeen.

Aberdeen captain-coach Dan Taylor, new centre Daniel Everleigh, prop Ben Hagan, fullback Shane Hasslemann, hooker Steve Hinschen and former Devils player Tim Lonergan made the line-up.

It is just reward for the Tigers' efforts under Taylor during the pre-season.

"We've had better numbers at training which has made a big difference," Taylor said.

"Also last year was my first as a coach in any grade. I've got a lot more experience now, and I think I've got a bit more discipline, which has helped."

The Tigers will also be boosted by the return of 2001 premiership-winning captain-coach Shaun Tanner, who is set to return for the season proper.

Denman boast five players in the preliminary representative squad. Muswellbrook and Scone have three and Singleton have four.

The Devils have the in-form halves combination of Garry McKean and Luke Hasslemann, prop Todd Wallace, lock Joey Nebauer, and Shawn Kidd in the list.

Rams flyer Daniel Forder, front-rower Adam Tearle and second-rower Simon Harmer represent the reigning pre-season and premiership champions in the squad.

Scone fullback Wayne Hedley, forward Jeremy White and Jade Smith forced their way in despite the Thoroughbreds' failure to field a side in the opening shield round and a loss in their only appearance.

Singleton's young rugby convert Nicholas Kisi, halfback Chad Solman, the experienced Scott Williams and Daniel Oldknow round out the group.

The Tigers also had a strong contingent in the 20-man under-18 side with five players selected.

On Sunday, Aberdeen withstood early pressure from the Rams before building a winning lead through tries by Adam Curnuck (two), Lonergan (two) and Andrew Carter.

They play pre-season leaders Denman tomorrow night in the fourth round at Aberdeen. Singleton play Scone in the other game.

"We're looking all right but we don't want to rest on last week's win," Taylor said.

Denman young guns Luke Ayre and Blake Dureau starred in the other game on Sunday as the Devils downed hosts Singleton 24-18.

Ayre crossed twice and Dureau once in the four-tries-to-three win.

Undefeated Denman lead the race for the top two and a grand final berth on six points.

The Rams and Tigers are on four with two rounds remaining.

© 2005 Newcastle Herald

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