The Queensland State Team squads have had another injection of quality this week as they prepare to reignite the rivalry with New South Wales in two blockbuster clashes at Perry Park on Saturday evening.
Head Coaches Alex Bundalo and Ben Cahn, along with Assistant Coaches Rob Askew and Aaron Philp, finalised their 18-player matchday squads following Thursday’s final training session.
As confirmed earlier in the week, Lions FC midfielder Meisha Westland and Gap FC goalkeeper Coco Majstorovic have been added to the Women’s side that defeated Brisbane Roar 2-1 last weekend.
Another Gap star, Laini Freier, also comes into the team after featuring for Roar at Dolphin Stadium.
Cahn and Philp, meanwhile, have welcomed several players back into the fold, including five from Olympic FC.
Lachlan Hunter, Corey Sewell, Steve Whyte, Daniel Leck and Jez Lofthouse are all available for selection, as is former Newcastle Jets striker Harrison Sawyer.
Former Westfield Matilda Amy Chapman will captain the Women’s side, while former Socceroo Michael Thwaite has been chosen as the Men’s skipper.
Some initial Queensland State Team squad members were unavailable through injury or absence.
On Friday, FQ and Football NSW announced the teams would be competing for the Gibb-Masters Cup (Men) and the Watson-O’Connor Cup (Women), named in honour of five legends from within the Queensland, New South Wales and Australian footballing communities.
Penalties will determine which state gets the silverware if either match ends in a draw.
Don’t miss all the drama as the rivalry reignites this Saturday evening, grab your tickets now and help give our Queensland teams the home advantage!
Queensland State Team Women’s squad: 1. Isabella Shuttleworth, 3. Harkana Dixon, 5. Cannon Clough, 7. Isabella Habuda, 8. Amy Chapman (c), 9. Shea Connors, 10. Rie Kitano, 11. Tegan Riding, 12. Amy Gunston, 13. April Gleeson, 15. Georgina Amos, 16. Laini Freier, 18. Natasha Wheeler, 19. Sofie Persson, 20. Steph Latham, 21. Teagan Thompson, 22. Coco Majstorovic, 23. Meisha Westland
Queensland State Team Men’s squad: 1. Lachlan Hunter, 2. Hayden McHenery, 3. Michael Thwaite (c), 4. Ajdin Fetahagic, 5. Corey Sewell, 6. Steve Whyte, 7. Daniel Leck, 8. Kazuya Ito, 9. Andy Pengelly, 10. Thomas Strickland, 11. Jez Lofthouse, 12. Harrison Sawyer, 13. Cameron Crestani, 14. Delors Tuyishime, 15. Abrahim Yango, 16. Lachlan Sayers, 17. Hyeongjoon Son, 18. Joshua Langdon
