Super seven in ADF squad

By Michael Weaver

Seven Navy rugby league players have gained selection in a Combined Australian Services Rugby League squad to tour the United Kingdom in November.

This follows the National Inter-Service Rugby League Carnival from February 17-21.

The seven Navy players are: Navy team captain SBLT David Wallis (front row), ABCIS Josh Hanson (five-eighth), ABATA Kurt Simpson (hooker), ABBM Peter Coates (halfback), LSET Scott Taylor (second row), ABMT Bryan Minns (second row) and ABBM Michael Cross (front row).

Of these players, Wallis, Simpson, Coates and Cross were selected in the starting 13, with the squad put through a solid training run with the Canberra Raiders at Bruce Stadium on February 24.

Meanwhile, the Navy rugby league side put in a spirited performance against Army in an attempt to win the national inter-Service championship, after both sides defeated Air Force.

However, Navy struck a red-hot side of soldiers to go down 22-10.

Army led 8-0 at half-time in slippery conditions at Queanbeyan’s Seiffert Oval, with Navy handing over possession early in the tackle count on numerous occasions.

Navy upped the ante in the second half, but so to did Army, with their winger scoring two tries in quick succession to virtually seal the match with a lead of 20-0.

Navy’s LS Adrian Adams and team captain SBLT David Wallis added consolation tries for a 22-10 final scoreline.

Navy’s best was front-rower ABBM Michael Cross, second-rower SBLT David Wallis and hooker ABATA Kurt Simpson.

The Navy side would like to thank the Great Southern Hotel at Berry for support with sponsorship.

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