Leseberg Out To Land Shield In Final Flight
Newcastle Herald
Thursday May 31, 2007
NSW Country captain Nick Leseberg is determined to finish the Australia Rugby Shield campaign with a victory over Queensland Country at Mackay on Saturday for two reasons.
The Cockatoos need to beat the Heelers and score a bonus point to have any chance of overtaking leaders Melbourne and win the shield for first time in three years.It will also be the last time Leseberg leads the Cockatoos in a competition game.The Merewether-Carlton No.8 is an air-traffic controller in the RAAF and will move to San Diego in November on a three-year posting spelling the end of his two-year Country career."Traditionally there is plenty of rivalry between NSW and Queensland and if we are to catch Melbourne, we need to win and score at least four tries."On a personal note, you always want to finish on the right note."Leseberg is one of seven Novocastrians in the Cockatoos squad. He is expected to be joined in the starting side by prop Luke Troy, fullback Warwick Crosby, winger Ben Sattler and breakaway Dan Kevill. Gareth Williams (centre) and Mick Lee (hooker) are on the bench.The Cockatoos and Heelers are equal second on nine points, four adrift of unbeaten leaders Melbourne, who travel to Adelaide in the final round.The Cockatoos lost on the bell 24-23 to the Axemen in round three, and the Heelers fell to them 7-3 last weekend."Melbourne are a good side, but there is very little between the top three teams," Leseberg said."Hopefully Adelaide can do us a favour and knock over Melbourne. Either way, we have to make sure we get the job done in Mackay."Leseberg expects to play his final game for NSW Country in their annual clash with Sydney Sub-Districts on October 10.
© 2007 Newcastle Herald
