It’s one thing to be named in the final Country side to play in the last City-Country clash, it’s an entirely different beast to be named skipper.
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And Mitch Aubusson isn’t taking his appointment as captain of Country lightly.
The likeable Roosters backrower lists the Ballina Seagulls as his junior club, but in reality the 29-year-old’s connection to the bush isn’t limited to just his roots in the far north coast town.
Aubusson also spent time in Mittagong in the state’s southern highlands, meaning the ultimate captain of Country represents two ends of the bush footy spectrum.
It’s an apt appointment.
“Extremely honoured,” was Aubusson’s response when asked what leading the side meant to him.
“I grew up watching this game and loving it and being a country boy, I’m really happy to be part of it and lead the boys out.
“It’ll be something really special for myself and my family and the area we grew up in.
“I’ve got a bit of bush footy and coastal footy in my background, for me I grew up with footy and my family, it means so much to put the jersey on and represent those two areas and the rest of the country all over NSW.”
Given his pedigree, he mas played more than 200 NRL matches, winning a clash like Sunday’s City-Country at Glen Willow would mean the world.
“Most definitely, we want to win,” he added.
Of course, it’s never that easy. But desire and passion, in these representative fixtures, does count for plenty.
And if that’s the case, gauging on Country’s lead-up to the Mudgee match, Aubusson will be leading from the front to get the bush boys over the line.
“Whoever gets tight and plays for each other will come out victors on Sunday,” he added.
“They’ve got a pretty good team, they’re all going to be pretty sharp and hungry to play well, but so will our guys. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
City has won 67 matches while Country has come out on top in just 22 times, the last of which, was in 2015.
In Tamworth last year, the city slickers won 44-30.
That day, Bryce Cartwright led from the front, announcing himself as a future State of Origin gun, although his 2017 form has been riddled with injury.
Aubusson identified the Penrith junior as a danger man in Mudgee.
“They’ve got a pretty good team, they’re all going to be pretty sharp and hungry to play well,” he said.
“But so will our guys. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Nick McGrath
Editor, Central Western Daily
Editor, Central Western Daily
