For $379, this seat is still available as Wallabies-Lions creeps towards sell-out
After years of anticipation, the countdown is on for the opening game of the three-Test series between the Wallabies and Lions in Brisbane on Saturday, but seats were still available for the game on Wednesday, and for the second Test in Melbourne and the third in Sydney as well.
The Lions' five fixtures played in the first 15 days of their tour saw strong crowds, many of which were venue records for rugby, but all venues contained sections of empty seats.
Rugby Australia, who set the ticket pricing in a joint venture with the Lions, has drawn criticism for setting prices too high and making the games inaccessible for some fans.
Ticket prices for the first Test in Brisbane range from $149 to $649 per seat, with the MCG ($99 to $649) and Accor Stadium ($149-$649) Tests having similar pricing structures. Tour game prices were lower.
For context, single tickets for the annual State of Origin series this year cost between $49 and $399, and to get a ticket for the Sydney show of Oasis' reunion tour will set you back between $129 and $849.
Given that it is a once-in-12-years event, the demand for Lions tickets has still been strong, and all corporate packages were swiftly sold out, suggesting the market mostly accepted the prices. But fans have also expressed frustration on social media platforms, and late ticket returns from UK tour operators have proven hard to shift.
There were less than 1000 tickets left for the 52,500-capacity Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday. Waugh is confident the ground will end up full.
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The Advertiser
6 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Mitchell injury adds to 'pressure' on Souths coach
Wayne Bennett is remaining calm as pressure increased on South Sydney's dismal season with a torn quad injury to star fullback Latrell Mitchell. Bennett said he'd become used to the heat during 40 years in the rugby league coaching furnace, but hours after making that statement it emerged Mitchell had suffered an injury at training that is set to keep him out for at least a month. It was hoped Mitchell could inspire a post-State of Origin renaissance for the Rabbitohs, but that expectation has now been scuppered. Bennett insists he has seen signs the Rabbitohs are on the right track despite a horror year of injuries and on-field results that threatens to end with the club's first wooden spoon since 2006. Missing nine players to injury, Souths could drop to the bottom of the NRL ladder this weekend if they lose to resurgent Penrith on Friday and Gold Coast beat Wests Tigers on Sunday. It's been a far cry from Bennett's first stint in charge, which ended with a grand-final appearance in 2021. The results have been enough for media coverage to begin questioning veteran mentor Bennett. "I've spent 40 years under pressure, mate. I don't feel it. It doesn't worry me," he said. It's not all doom and gloom from where Bennett is standing, though the coach felt it was inevitable lifting the Rabbitohs up the ladder would take time. "You can't click your fingers and think it's all going to work tomorrow for you. You've got to stay true to it and you've got to get the players to buy into it. I believe that's happening,' he said. "I know we're doing the right things and I know we're on the right track, but we're not where the top teams are." Bennett said Souths' attitude and their attack had impressed him. "They've been pretty brave, there's pretty good morale in the place still. We've had no crisis meetings, which I'm very pleased about," he said sardonically. "Their ball control has improved a great deal, there's a lot of energy in their games." Souths received some rare good news this week, with mid-season recruit Brandon Smith likely to miss only two or three more weeks with what had been feared a long-term knee issue. Veteran playmaker Cody Walker, meanwhile, is four to six weeks away after tearing a calf muscle during his rehabilitation for a hamstring injury. Mitchell, Campbell Graham, Cameron Murray, Alex Johnston and Jamie Humphreys are among other key men to have been sidelined in a diabolical season of injuries. Of the top-30 squad, only Jai Arrow and Keaon Koloamatangi have featured in every game, but Bennett shrugged at suggestions Souths may need to review their strength and conditioning or training practices. "A lot of them have been on the field, they haven't been training injuries," he said. "Cody's is coming on a rehab run, which he's got to do to get himself back from the hamstring injury, and he tears a calf muscle. You can't blame anybody for that." Friday's clash with Penrith will mark only the fourth NRL game for Englishman Lewis Dodd, recruited on big money to become the Rabbitohs' new halfback but largely overlooked by Bennett this season. The coach wants to see some physicality from Dodd when he comes on from the bench for his first NRL game since round nine. "(He needs to) put his body on the line. He's a small guy and there's a lot of big players out there playing against him,' Bennett said. "You've got to be committed to stopping them and taking them on with the ball. If he does that, I'll be pleased with him." Wayne Bennett is remaining calm as pressure increased on South Sydney's dismal season with a torn quad injury to star fullback Latrell Mitchell. Bennett said he'd become used to the heat during 40 years in the rugby league coaching furnace, but hours after making that statement it emerged Mitchell had suffered an injury at training that is set to keep him out for at least a month. It was hoped Mitchell could inspire a post-State of Origin renaissance for the Rabbitohs, but that expectation has now been scuppered. Bennett insists he has seen signs the Rabbitohs are on the right track despite a horror year of injuries and on-field results that threatens to end with the club's first wooden spoon since 2006. Missing nine players to injury, Souths could drop to the bottom of the NRL ladder this weekend if they lose to resurgent Penrith on Friday and Gold Coast beat Wests Tigers on Sunday. It's been a far cry from Bennett's first stint in charge, which ended with a grand-final appearance in 2021. The results have been enough for media coverage to begin questioning veteran mentor Bennett. "I've spent 40 years under pressure, mate. I don't feel it. It doesn't worry me," he said. It's not all doom and gloom from where Bennett is standing, though the coach felt it was inevitable lifting the Rabbitohs up the ladder would take time. "You can't click your fingers and think it's all going to work tomorrow for you. You've got to stay true to it and you've got to get the players to buy into it. I believe that's happening,' he said. "I know we're doing the right things and I know we're on the right track, but we're not where the top teams are." Bennett said Souths' attitude and their attack had impressed him. "They've been pretty brave, there's pretty good morale in the place still. We've had no crisis meetings, which I'm very pleased about," he said sardonically. "Their ball control has improved a great deal, there's a lot of energy in their games." Souths received some rare good news this week, with mid-season recruit Brandon Smith likely to miss only two or three more weeks with what had been feared a long-term knee issue. Veteran playmaker Cody Walker, meanwhile, is four to six weeks away after tearing a calf muscle during his rehabilitation for a hamstring injury. Mitchell, Campbell Graham, Cameron Murray, Alex Johnston and Jamie Humphreys are among other key men to have been sidelined in a diabolical season of injuries. Of the top-30 squad, only Jai Arrow and Keaon Koloamatangi have featured in every game, but Bennett shrugged at suggestions Souths may need to review their strength and conditioning or training practices. "A lot of them have been on the field, they haven't been training injuries," he said. "Cody's is coming on a rehab run, which he's got to do to get himself back from the hamstring injury, and he tears a calf muscle. You can't blame anybody for that." Friday's clash with Penrith will mark only the fourth NRL game for Englishman Lewis Dodd, recruited on big money to become the Rabbitohs' new halfback but largely overlooked by Bennett this season. The coach wants to see some physicality from Dodd when he comes on from the bench for his first NRL game since round nine. "(He needs to) put his body on the line. He's a small guy and there's a lot of big players out there playing against him,' Bennett said. "You've got to be committed to stopping them and taking them on with the ball. If he does that, I'll be pleased with him." Wayne Bennett is remaining calm as pressure increased on South Sydney's dismal season with a torn quad injury to star fullback Latrell Mitchell. Bennett said he'd become used to the heat during 40 years in the rugby league coaching furnace, but hours after making that statement it emerged Mitchell had suffered an injury at training that is set to keep him out for at least a month. It was hoped Mitchell could inspire a post-State of Origin renaissance for the Rabbitohs, but that expectation has now been scuppered. Bennett insists he has seen signs the Rabbitohs are on the right track despite a horror year of injuries and on-field results that threatens to end with the club's first wooden spoon since 2006. Missing nine players to injury, Souths could drop to the bottom of the NRL ladder this weekend if they lose to resurgent Penrith on Friday and Gold Coast beat Wests Tigers on Sunday. It's been a far cry from Bennett's first stint in charge, which ended with a grand-final appearance in 2021. The results have been enough for media coverage to begin questioning veteran mentor Bennett. "I've spent 40 years under pressure, mate. I don't feel it. It doesn't worry me," he said. It's not all doom and gloom from where Bennett is standing, though the coach felt it was inevitable lifting the Rabbitohs up the ladder would take time. "You can't click your fingers and think it's all going to work tomorrow for you. You've got to stay true to it and you've got to get the players to buy into it. I believe that's happening,' he said. "I know we're doing the right things and I know we're on the right track, but we're not where the top teams are." Bennett said Souths' attitude and their attack had impressed him. "They've been pretty brave, there's pretty good morale in the place still. We've had no crisis meetings, which I'm very pleased about," he said sardonically. "Their ball control has improved a great deal, there's a lot of energy in their games." Souths received some rare good news this week, with mid-season recruit Brandon Smith likely to miss only two or three more weeks with what had been feared a long-term knee issue. Veteran playmaker Cody Walker, meanwhile, is four to six weeks away after tearing a calf muscle during his rehabilitation for a hamstring injury. Mitchell, Campbell Graham, Cameron Murray, Alex Johnston and Jamie Humphreys are among other key men to have been sidelined in a diabolical season of injuries. Of the top-30 squad, only Jai Arrow and Keaon Koloamatangi have featured in every game, but Bennett shrugged at suggestions Souths may need to review their strength and conditioning or training practices. "A lot of them have been on the field, they haven't been training injuries," he said. "Cody's is coming on a rehab run, which he's got to do to get himself back from the hamstring injury, and he tears a calf muscle. You can't blame anybody for that." Friday's clash with Penrith will mark only the fourth NRL game for Englishman Lewis Dodd, recruited on big money to become the Rabbitohs' new halfback but largely overlooked by Bennett this season. The coach wants to see some physicality from Dodd when he comes on from the bench for his first NRL game since round nine. "(He needs to) put his body on the line. He's a small guy and there's a lot of big players out there playing against him,' Bennett said. "You've got to be committed to stopping them and taking them on with the ball. If he does that, I'll be pleased with him."
The Advertiser
6 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Wallabies throw 'psycho' bolter to Lions for debut
Wallabies "psycho" Nick Champion de Crespigny has been thrust into a shock debut in the British & Irish Lions opener as coach Joe Schmidt plots a Brisbane boilover. The flanker, one of just two uncapped players in the 36-strong squad, surged into calculations after injury to pivotal backrower Rob Valetini and the in-form Langi Gleeson. Hulking lock Will Skelton, who missed the Fiji Test with a calf niggle, remains sidelined in another huge blow to the underdogs. Schmidt said all three were nearing full fitness and expects them to be available for next Saturday's second Test in Melbourne. Canberra-raised Champion de Crespigny returned from a Top 14 stint with Castres Olympique to play for the Western Force this season to join the back of a bulging queue of contenders. But, with two-time defending John Eales Medallist Valetini and Gleeson on ice - former captain Liam Wright (shoulder) is also out of the picture - he'll be asked to dent a Lions line that has enjoyed five relatively comfortable wins since arriving in the country late last month. "Big shoes to fill," Schmidt said of the debutant, who brings an aerial threat at lineouts and starch on either side of the ball. "He was on the radar (12 months ago). Not necessarily right in the middle, but in the periphery and got a little bit closer as the season wound on." Backrow partner Fraser McReight was less diplomatic. "He's a psycho; loves contact and ready to go," the No.7 said. "Loves the physical nature of the game. I've heard all the stories from the Force boys." The coach also backed "quietly confident" 22-year-old Tom Lynagh to steer the ship in a new-look halves combination with Jake Gordon. Ben Donaldson will provide backline back-up on the bench, with Schmidt resisting the temptation to recall veteran James O'Connor, who wore the No.10 in all three Tests 12 years ago. Hooker Matt Faessler returns after a last-start hat-trick in gold, having started for the Reds instead of playing against Fiji in his comeback from a hamstring injury. Andrew Kellaway has bumped Filipo Daugunu off a new-look bench that includes hooker Billy Pollard, scrumhalf Tate McDermott, prop Tom Robertson and flankers Tom Hooper and Carlo Tizzano. James Slipper will join George Smith as the only Wallabies to feature in back-to-back Lions series in the professional era while No.8 Harry Wilson has retained the captaincy. Lynagh hasn't played since the Reds lost their Super Rugby quarter-final in early June, with a broken hand ruling him out of the Fiji Test. The Italy-born, England-raised playmaker finished school and moved to Australia in 2021 and has flourished under Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss as the Queensland Reds' main man for the last two years. He'll make Australian rugby history as the first father-son Wallabies to face the Lions after Michael Lynagh wore the No.10 against the Lions in 1989. English lock Maro Itoje will captain a Lions side that had no room for exciting flanker Henry Pollock, in-form Welsh backrower Jac Morgan or coach Andy Farrell's son, Owen. WALLABIES: James Slipper, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Jake Gordon, Tom Lynagh, Harry Potter, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright. Bench: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Andrew Kellaway. Wallabies "psycho" Nick Champion de Crespigny has been thrust into a shock debut in the British & Irish Lions opener as coach Joe Schmidt plots a Brisbane boilover. The flanker, one of just two uncapped players in the 36-strong squad, surged into calculations after injury to pivotal backrower Rob Valetini and the in-form Langi Gleeson. Hulking lock Will Skelton, who missed the Fiji Test with a calf niggle, remains sidelined in another huge blow to the underdogs. Schmidt said all three were nearing full fitness and expects them to be available for next Saturday's second Test in Melbourne. Canberra-raised Champion de Crespigny returned from a Top 14 stint with Castres Olympique to play for the Western Force this season to join the back of a bulging queue of contenders. But, with two-time defending John Eales Medallist Valetini and Gleeson on ice - former captain Liam Wright (shoulder) is also out of the picture - he'll be asked to dent a Lions line that has enjoyed five relatively comfortable wins since arriving in the country late last month. "Big shoes to fill," Schmidt said of the debutant, who brings an aerial threat at lineouts and starch on either side of the ball. "He was on the radar (12 months ago). Not necessarily right in the middle, but in the periphery and got a little bit closer as the season wound on." Backrow partner Fraser McReight was less diplomatic. "He's a psycho; loves contact and ready to go," the No.7 said. "Loves the physical nature of the game. I've heard all the stories from the Force boys." The coach also backed "quietly confident" 22-year-old Tom Lynagh to steer the ship in a new-look halves combination with Jake Gordon. Ben Donaldson will provide backline back-up on the bench, with Schmidt resisting the temptation to recall veteran James O'Connor, who wore the No.10 in all three Tests 12 years ago. Hooker Matt Faessler returns after a last-start hat-trick in gold, having started for the Reds instead of playing against Fiji in his comeback from a hamstring injury. Andrew Kellaway has bumped Filipo Daugunu off a new-look bench that includes hooker Billy Pollard, scrumhalf Tate McDermott, prop Tom Robertson and flankers Tom Hooper and Carlo Tizzano. James Slipper will join George Smith as the only Wallabies to feature in back-to-back Lions series in the professional era while No.8 Harry Wilson has retained the captaincy. Lynagh hasn't played since the Reds lost their Super Rugby quarter-final in early June, with a broken hand ruling him out of the Fiji Test. The Italy-born, England-raised playmaker finished school and moved to Australia in 2021 and has flourished under Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss as the Queensland Reds' main man for the last two years. He'll make Australian rugby history as the first father-son Wallabies to face the Lions after Michael Lynagh wore the No.10 against the Lions in 1989. English lock Maro Itoje will captain a Lions side that had no room for exciting flanker Henry Pollock, in-form Welsh backrower Jac Morgan or coach Andy Farrell's son, Owen. WALLABIES: James Slipper, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Jake Gordon, Tom Lynagh, Harry Potter, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright. Bench: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Andrew Kellaway. Wallabies "psycho" Nick Champion de Crespigny has been thrust into a shock debut in the British & Irish Lions opener as coach Joe Schmidt plots a Brisbane boilover. The flanker, one of just two uncapped players in the 36-strong squad, surged into calculations after injury to pivotal backrower Rob Valetini and the in-form Langi Gleeson. Hulking lock Will Skelton, who missed the Fiji Test with a calf niggle, remains sidelined in another huge blow to the underdogs. Schmidt said all three were nearing full fitness and expects them to be available for next Saturday's second Test in Melbourne. Canberra-raised Champion de Crespigny returned from a Top 14 stint with Castres Olympique to play for the Western Force this season to join the back of a bulging queue of contenders. But, with two-time defending John Eales Medallist Valetini and Gleeson on ice - former captain Liam Wright (shoulder) is also out of the picture - he'll be asked to dent a Lions line that has enjoyed five relatively comfortable wins since arriving in the country late last month. "Big shoes to fill," Schmidt said of the debutant, who brings an aerial threat at lineouts and starch on either side of the ball. "He was on the radar (12 months ago). Not necessarily right in the middle, but in the periphery and got a little bit closer as the season wound on." Backrow partner Fraser McReight was less diplomatic. "He's a psycho; loves contact and ready to go," the No.7 said. "Loves the physical nature of the game. I've heard all the stories from the Force boys." The coach also backed "quietly confident" 22-year-old Tom Lynagh to steer the ship in a new-look halves combination with Jake Gordon. Ben Donaldson will provide backline back-up on the bench, with Schmidt resisting the temptation to recall veteran James O'Connor, who wore the No.10 in all three Tests 12 years ago. Hooker Matt Faessler returns after a last-start hat-trick in gold, having started for the Reds instead of playing against Fiji in his comeback from a hamstring injury. Andrew Kellaway has bumped Filipo Daugunu off a new-look bench that includes hooker Billy Pollard, scrumhalf Tate McDermott, prop Tom Robertson and flankers Tom Hooper and Carlo Tizzano. James Slipper will join George Smith as the only Wallabies to feature in back-to-back Lions series in the professional era while No.8 Harry Wilson has retained the captaincy. Lynagh hasn't played since the Reds lost their Super Rugby quarter-final in early June, with a broken hand ruling him out of the Fiji Test. The Italy-born, England-raised playmaker finished school and moved to Australia in 2021 and has flourished under Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss as the Queensland Reds' main man for the last two years. He'll make Australian rugby history as the first father-son Wallabies to face the Lions after Michael Lynagh wore the No.10 against the Lions in 1989. English lock Maro Itoje will captain a Lions side that had no room for exciting flanker Henry Pollock, in-form Welsh backrower Jac Morgan or coach Andy Farrell's son, Owen. WALLABIES: James Slipper, Matt Faessler, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (c), Jake Gordon, Tom Lynagh, Harry Potter, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright. Bench: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Tom Robertson, Tom Hooper, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Andrew Kellaway.
The Advertiser
6 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Business time as Farrell makes tough first Test calls
Andy Farrell has overlooked son Owen for a British and Irish Lions berth in their Brisbane opener and resisted the temptation to blood excitement machine Henry Pollock. The Lions coach on Thursday confirmed his side for Saturday's series opener against the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium. Farrell was a late call-up to his fourth tour after Elliot Daly (arm) suffered a tour-ending injury, despite not playing international rugby for nearly two years and enduring an injury-hit season in France with Racing 92. But he impressed off the bench in Saturday's thrashing of the AUNZ Invitational XV and looked a chance to provide cover in the centres and No.10 for the Test opener. English flyer Marcus Smith has instead won the utility spot on the bench, able to cover flyhalf and fullback. Pollock, the high-octane 20-year-old with just one Test under his belt, and fellow in-form back-rower Jac Morgan were other unlucky omissions. England's Ellis Genge teams up with Leinster pair Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong, two of 11 Irish players in the 23. Irish duo Jack Conan and Tadhg Beirne won back-row spots alongside England's Tom Curry, while Leinster scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park will partner Scottish gun Finn Russell in the halves. Andy Farrell said the selection of his back row was a real challenge. "That is the hotly contested part of the team that has been talked about for quite some time, and rightly so because of the quality we have got there," he said. "We feel that is the right combination for the first Test ... Tadhg with his quality in the set piece, but also his ability on the floor or as a ball-playing No.6. That complements Jack in a similar regard, with Tom being the engine we all know you need in Test match football." Morgan was stiff to miss out after he was player of the match against the Queensland Reds, and the coach was asked how close he was to being involved. "As close as you can imagine. I am gutted for players like that ... and Henry (Pollock) as well because they could easily be in this side, but that shows the good place we are in as a group," Farrell said. The coach said his son Owen was a hot chance of being involved in the clash against First Nations and Pasifika on Tuesday in Melbourne. "He was in contention, but I feel like Tuesday will be good for someone like Owen," Farrell said. Scottish pair Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones will occupy the centres, while two more Leinster products - Hugo Keenan and James Lowe - join England speedster Tommy Freeman in the back three. Lock Maro Itoje will captain the side for the first time. Farrell played for Wigan Warriors in the 1994 World Club Challenge final win in rugby league over Brisbane. He recently said it was one of the highlights of his dual-code career, but was then asked how it would compare with getting one over the Wallabies. "I actually met (former Broncos captain) Gorden Tallis today and was reminiscing on a few things, and '94 was a great memory," he said. "This seems a little bit bigger. This is huge. This would mean the world to me." LIONS: Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, Jack Conan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Finn Russell, James Lowe, Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones, Tommy Freeman, Hugo Keenan. Bench: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Bundee Aki Andy Farrell has overlooked son Owen for a British and Irish Lions berth in their Brisbane opener and resisted the temptation to blood excitement machine Henry Pollock. The Lions coach on Thursday confirmed his side for Saturday's series opener against the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium. Farrell was a late call-up to his fourth tour after Elliot Daly (arm) suffered a tour-ending injury, despite not playing international rugby for nearly two years and enduring an injury-hit season in France with Racing 92. But he impressed off the bench in Saturday's thrashing of the AUNZ Invitational XV and looked a chance to provide cover in the centres and No.10 for the Test opener. English flyer Marcus Smith has instead won the utility spot on the bench, able to cover flyhalf and fullback. Pollock, the high-octane 20-year-old with just one Test under his belt, and fellow in-form back-rower Jac Morgan were other unlucky omissions. England's Ellis Genge teams up with Leinster pair Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong, two of 11 Irish players in the 23. Irish duo Jack Conan and Tadhg Beirne won back-row spots alongside England's Tom Curry, while Leinster scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park will partner Scottish gun Finn Russell in the halves. Andy Farrell said the selection of his back row was a real challenge. "That is the hotly contested part of the team that has been talked about for quite some time, and rightly so because of the quality we have got there," he said. "We feel that is the right combination for the first Test ... Tadhg with his quality in the set piece, but also his ability on the floor or as a ball-playing No.6. That complements Jack in a similar regard, with Tom being the engine we all know you need in Test match football." Morgan was stiff to miss out after he was player of the match against the Queensland Reds, and the coach was asked how close he was to being involved. "As close as you can imagine. I am gutted for players like that ... and Henry (Pollock) as well because they could easily be in this side, but that shows the good place we are in as a group," Farrell said. The coach said his son Owen was a hot chance of being involved in the clash against First Nations and Pasifika on Tuesday in Melbourne. "He was in contention, but I feel like Tuesday will be good for someone like Owen," Farrell said. Scottish pair Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones will occupy the centres, while two more Leinster products - Hugo Keenan and James Lowe - join England speedster Tommy Freeman in the back three. Lock Maro Itoje will captain the side for the first time. Farrell played for Wigan Warriors in the 1994 World Club Challenge final win in rugby league over Brisbane. He recently said it was one of the highlights of his dual-code career, but was then asked how it would compare with getting one over the Wallabies. "I actually met (former Broncos captain) Gorden Tallis today and was reminiscing on a few things, and '94 was a great memory," he said. "This seems a little bit bigger. This is huge. This would mean the world to me." LIONS: Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, Jack Conan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Finn Russell, James Lowe, Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones, Tommy Freeman, Hugo Keenan. Bench: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Bundee Aki Andy Farrell has overlooked son Owen for a British and Irish Lions berth in their Brisbane opener and resisted the temptation to blood excitement machine Henry Pollock. The Lions coach on Thursday confirmed his side for Saturday's series opener against the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium. Farrell was a late call-up to his fourth tour after Elliot Daly (arm) suffered a tour-ending injury, despite not playing international rugby for nearly two years and enduring an injury-hit season in France with Racing 92. But he impressed off the bench in Saturday's thrashing of the AUNZ Invitational XV and looked a chance to provide cover in the centres and No.10 for the Test opener. English flyer Marcus Smith has instead won the utility spot on the bench, able to cover flyhalf and fullback. Pollock, the high-octane 20-year-old with just one Test under his belt, and fellow in-form back-rower Jac Morgan were other unlucky omissions. England's Ellis Genge teams up with Leinster pair Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong, two of 11 Irish players in the 23. Irish duo Jack Conan and Tadhg Beirne won back-row spots alongside England's Tom Curry, while Leinster scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park will partner Scottish gun Finn Russell in the halves. Andy Farrell said the selection of his back row was a real challenge. "That is the hotly contested part of the team that has been talked about for quite some time, and rightly so because of the quality we have got there," he said. "We feel that is the right combination for the first Test ... Tadhg with his quality in the set piece, but also his ability on the floor or as a ball-playing No.6. That complements Jack in a similar regard, with Tom being the engine we all know you need in Test match football." Morgan was stiff to miss out after he was player of the match against the Queensland Reds, and the coach was asked how close he was to being involved. "As close as you can imagine. I am gutted for players like that ... and Henry (Pollock) as well because they could easily be in this side, but that shows the good place we are in as a group," Farrell said. The coach said his son Owen was a hot chance of being involved in the clash against First Nations and Pasifika on Tuesday in Melbourne. "He was in contention, but I feel like Tuesday will be good for someone like Owen," Farrell said. Scottish pair Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones will occupy the centres, while two more Leinster products - Hugo Keenan and James Lowe - join England speedster Tommy Freeman in the back three. Lock Maro Itoje will captain the side for the first time. Farrell played for Wigan Warriors in the 1994 World Club Challenge final win in rugby league over Brisbane. He recently said it was one of the highlights of his dual-code career, but was then asked how it would compare with getting one over the Wallabies. "I actually met (former Broncos captain) Gorden Tallis today and was reminiscing on a few things, and '94 was a great memory," he said. "This seems a little bit bigger. This is huge. This would mean the world to me." LIONS: Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, Jack Conan, Jamison Gibson-Park, Finn Russell, James Lowe, Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones, Tommy Freeman, Hugo Keenan. Bench: Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith, Bundee Aki
