Aus Sevens prepare for Olympic qualifiers
Former Waratahs loose forward Pat McCutcheon continues his return from the XV-man game while 18-year-old prodigy Henry Hutchison has also been selected for the tournament that will take place this Saturday and Sunday at Wyong Rugby League Club.
Tom Cusack, Michael Wells and Sam Myers will provide the power up front with excitement machine Shannon Walker, Greg Jeloudev and Peter Schuster named as the outside backs. Allan Fa'alava'au, James Stannard and Con Foley – who will captain the side – will assume playmaking duties.
The tournament, featuring world-class teams from New Zealand, Fiji and United States, is the final opportunity for selected players to press their case for selection ahead of November's Olympic regional qualifier in Auckland.
The Thunderbolts have been drawn in Pool B alongside Redrock [Fiji], Germany and Rangataua [New Zealand].
Tim Walsh said: "The Thunderbolts squad we've chosen for the tournament provides us with good squad balance and a nice blend of youth and experience. Everything we do as a group at the moment is ensuring we are in the best possible shape come the Olympic Qualifier next month and the Central Coast Sevens is another important step on that process.
"The Central Coast Sevens is one of the highlights of the domestic Sevens calendar and we are fortunate to have it right on our doorstep. I know the boys are all looking forward to getting out there and putting on a good show for the fans."
