By Tania Phillips
The Warwick Cowboys will have three representatives in the Queensland Country side to play in Brisbane before the Host Cup Grand Final in September.
Winger Jake Speed, one of the most prolific try-scorers in the Toowoomba Rugby League this year and Centre Joseph Vite, who was named player of the competition at the recent 47th Battalion Memorial Trophy, have been named in a star studded line-up.
Players from Townsville/Rockhampton to Warwick/Goondiwindi make up the side.
The team will be coached by Warwick Cowboys mentor Col Speed who said he was very happy with his side for the big game.
The Queensland City teams were chosen from the XXXX Chair’s Challenge earlier this month, while the Queensland Country teams were picked from the XXXX 47th Battalion Memorial Trophy in July and the XXXX Foley Shield in May.
New Zealander and rugby union convert Joseph Vite, who played Jersey Flegg for the Melbourne Storm, has been playing for the Cowboys for the past year after his agent suggested he move up the region to get more league experience.
While Jake Speed (no relation to do his coach) was originally from North Richmond in Sydney – before moving up to Warwick seven years ago. He had boxed for a bit before deciding to get back into football.
“Just before finishing high school a friend of mine got me to come play for the local team here in Warwick, well one of them, Eastern Suburb Hornets,” he said.
“Spent a year there with them and I’ve been with the Cowboys ever since.”
The pair have formed a strong combination for the Cowboys this year, helping them to the top of the TRL ladder and now have the opportunity to step up to the next level.
