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BELLEVUE Oval will be a hub of activity this weekend when the top rugby union players from around country NSW gather for the annual Country Championships.
Regions from around the state have put together their best XV to battle it out and see who is the best in NSW.
The country championships are shaping up to be an event not to be missed with 18 games played over two days in an opens competition and a Colts under 20s division.
The event is set to provide a big boost for the local economy and carnival co-ordinator Luke Stephen said it is important for our region to showcase what is on offer.
“This is pretty big for us and pretty important we have got the community support,” he said.
“We have got more than 450 players coming to town which will inject close to half a million dollars into the local economy.
“We haven’t hosted this since 1998, for nearly 20 years and we are really looking forward to hosting what should be a successful event at one of the better venues in country rugby.
“Rugby is big and the country championships add to what is a long history of quality rugby events in the city of Armidale on top the former country schools and the TAS junior carnival.”
With plenty of experience in both New England rugby union sides,Stephen said this year’s sides are stronger than in recent years and will have a chance at claiming the titles.
“For a changeNew England are fielding two very competitive sides that are going to go very close to winning their respected tournaments,” he said.
“Taking on the likes of Newcastle, Illawarra and central west who are generally the powerhouses. “The real strength in New England is we are so competitive with the numbers we have.”
Opens’ coach Jason Lincoln went with a mix of youth and experience in his side.
“If the forwards can secure sufficient ball, this backline will cause headaches for any opposition," he said.
“The inclusion of Guyra's Liva Sili and Glen Innes' Greg Hill will help stiffen our pack, giving the backs the chance to unleash fury."
The New England Colts team will be looking to make it back-to-back titles with plenty of representative experience in this year’s squad.
Coach Mark Charter believes his side has what it takes to claim the championship for the second successive year.
“Albies pair Will Turner, and captain Sinclair Clinton will guide a very handy pack around the paddock," he said.
“They will be ably assisted by country age representative Riley Hopwood from Armidale Blues and Robb's Sam Callough, who are quality first grade footballers.”