From Bachelor of Science, Business and Education degrees to apprentice builders, plumbers and electricians, the New South Wales and Queensland teams named today for the inaugural Toyota Under 20’s State of Origin feature players from a wide and varied range of study and work backgrounds.



NSWRL Chairman Mr John Chalk and QRL Chief Executive Officer Mr Robert Moore today announced the teams in Sydney and Brisbane respectively ahead of their clash at Penrith’s Centrebet Stadium on Saturday (April 21).



They will be coached by former Origin greats and now Melbourne Storm coaching colleagues, Dean Pay (NSW) and Kevin Walters (QLD).



All players selected have played in the Toyota Cup, while the GIO NSW team includes six players with NRL experience – Cheyse Blair (Eels), Jacob Miller (Wests Tigers), Harry Siejka (Panthers), Matt Groat (Wests Tigers), Boyd Cordner (Roosters) and Alex McKinnon (Knights).



More importantly, in line with the “No, work, no study, no play” policy of the Toyota Cup, eight of the players selected for the Under 20s Origin are studying at university; five are doing apprenticeships; four are in traineeships; 12 are doing Certificate III/ Diplomas; and seven are in general employment.



NRL Welfare and Education Manager, Mr Paul Heptonstall, said: “The most pleasing aspect about the players selected is that they have embraced the game’s work and study philosophy which has only complemented their development as players.”



Toyota Regional Manager – Eastern Region, Mr Tony Pepper, said: “Toyota is very excited to be involved with the inaugural Under 20s’s State of Origin event.



“We have been involved with the Toyota Cup since its inception and we see this as a natural progression from that very successful program.”



Toyota will donate an education grant to the Man of the Match on Saturday night.



The 2012 Queensland Under 20’s State of Origin team is:

Position Name Club Work/Study Commitments Fullback Lachlan Maranta Brisbane Broncos /

Norths Devils Bachelor of Communication Griffith University Wing Hymel Hunt Gold Coast Titans Bachelor of Business

Griffith University Centre Tautau Moga Sydney Roosters Certificate 4 in Youth Work Centre Edrick Lee Canberra Raiders Certificate 3 in Sport and Rec;

Car Detailer Wing Aaron Whitchurch Brisbane Broncos /

Redcliffe Dolphins Certificate 4 in Fitness Five-eighth Kurt Mann Newcastle Knights Apprentice Electrician Halfback Benjamin Hampton Melbourne Storm Cert 3 in Youth Work

Business Admin Traineeship Prop Korbin Sims Newcastle Knights Apprentice Builder Hooker Alex Elisala North Queensland Cowboys Storeman Prop Dylan Napa Sydney Roosters Scaffolder Second row Caleb Timu Brisbane Broncos Bachelor of Education – Griffith University Second row Mitchell Frei Brisbane Broncos/ Norths Devils Labourer Lock Chris Grevsmuhl North Queensland Cowboys Sport and Recreation Traineeship Interchange: Benn Malley Brisbane Broncos Bachelor of Education – QUT Corey Oates Brisbane Broncos Electrician Assistant Brandon Tago Sydney Roosters Certificate 3 in Sport and Recreation Moses Mbye Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Cert 3 in Community Recreation & Primary School Teacher’s Aide 18th man: Kirisome Auva'a Melbourne Storm Customer Service with Esanda Finance

Coach: Kevin Walters (Melbourne Storm)



The 2012 GIO NSW Under 20’s State of Origin team is:

Position Name Club Work/Study Commitments Fullback Evander Cummins St George Illawarra Dragons Community Development Traineeship – Dragons Wing Young Tonumaipea Melbourne Storm Diploma Sports Development; La Mirage Reception Centre Manager Centre Cheyse Blair Parramatta Eels Certificate 4 in Fitness Centre Ed Murphy Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) Sydney Uni Wing Chanel Mata’Utia Newcastle Knights Labourer Five-eighth Harry Seijka Penrith Panthers Certificate 3 in Fitness Halfback Jacob Miller Wests Tigers Certificate 4 in Fitness Prop Matt Groat Wests Tigers Certificate 4 in Fitness Hooker Michael Lichaa Cronulla Sharks Apprentice Carpenter Prop Kane Evans Sydney Roosters Diploma of Management Second row Alex McKinnon Newcastle Knights Bachelor of Construction Management, Newcastle Uni Second row Boyd Cordner Sydney Roosters Certificate 4 in Building Construction Lock Vaipuna Tia Kilifi Penrith Panthers Primary School Teacher’s Aide – Werrington Public School Interchange: Paul Carter Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Bachelor of Human Movement, Aust College of Physical Education Jack Stockwell St George Illawarra Dragons/ Cutters Bachelor of Exercise Science, University of Wollongong David Klemmer Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Apprentice Horticulturist, Belmore Sports Ground Shannon Boyd Canberra Raiders Business Admin Traineeship 18th Man: Lachlan Burr Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Apprentice Carpenter

Coach: Dean Pay (Melbourne Storm)



General Details

The teams will assemble at the Chifley Penrith Panthers at 4pm on Wednesday, April 18, for medicals and their induction.

Naming Right Sponsor:

Toyota



Other Major Sponsors:

National Anti-Tobacco Campaign (back of jersey)

GIO (NSW); NOVA FM (Queensland)

Match Details: Date: Saturday, April 21 Venue: Centrebet Stadium, Penrith Kick-off Time: 7:30pm

Tickets:

FREE entry for 2012 NRL Club Members or any Junior Pass Holders (note Junior Pass must be activated prior to 5pm Wednesday April 18)



Available through ProTicket

Prices: $10 (Adults); $5 (Juniors – 4-15yrs); $25 (Family) - This is a General Admission event



Online: www.proticket.com.au

Phone: 1300 12 10 12

Outlet: ProTicket Outlets