They “definitely didn’t see it coming”, but Orange Emus duo Em McDonald and Jacky Lyden have taken the next step on their journey to the top after being named in the ACT Brumbies’ initial, 43-strong training squad for next year’s Super W tournament.
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After representing the NSW Country Eagles McDonald was initially overlooked for the Waratahs’ squad but has been thrown a potentially career-starting lifeline by the Brumbies while for multi-sport star Lyden – who seems to excel in everything she tries her hand at – it’s her first chance at this level in the 15-player code.
Just a day after starring at Central West trials at Endeavour Oval the pair were two of almost 90 potential Brumbies that fronted for the club’s trial weekend at the University of Canberra on Sunday, where they were split into four teams for two, 30-minute games.
McDonald and Lyden impressed enough to make it through the first round of selections and will head to Canberra on Thursday for an induction before the first four-week block of pre-season training, after which the final squad will be named.
“It was just crazy,” McDonald said.
“The Central West trials were great but this was another level.
“It's unreal that Jacky's been picked too, we're over the moon and we definitely didn’t see it coming.
“We’ll just give it everything now.”
McDonald and Lyden are joined in the training squad by 18 of the Brumbies squad that finished this year’s inaugural edition of the Super W in fourth with one win from four games, although that record wasn’t really a reflection of tough the side made life for their rivals.
It's unreal that Jacky's been picked too, we're over the moon.
- Emus half Em McDonald
McDonald is as natural a halfback as you’ll find in the Central West, but will face stiff competition from the likes of Jane Garraway and Remi Wilton, both of whom are incumbents.
Lyden played centre at the trials and will have, at least, incumbents Michelle Perry, Paremo Marsh and Sammie Wood to contend with, although she has versatility on her side too.
It’s that kind of depth that has new head coach Adam Butt champing at the bit for the upcoming season, which the Brumbies kick-off on February 15 when they welcome Grace Hamilton’s Waratahs to GIO Stadium.
“The squad we have put together is really strong and with the talent we have left out it really shows the depth we had to choose from,” Butt said, via a press release.
“We have some experienced players blended with new and exciting talent which will hopefully provide a strong core for the future. Congratulations to the players who made the squad, to those who missed out I encourage them to continue to train and work hard as you never know when an opportunity will present itself.
“I would like to thank all the players, coaches and medical team for all their efforts on Sunday especially those who travelled. The trials were hard fought, and I commend all the players on the effort and professionalism they showed on the day.
“The future of Super W is looking bright. The players made selections difficult which is great thing for the game and I know there will be some disappointed players out there.”
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