Local rugby league player selected for world team

USQ students Robbie Peters and Eugene Seddon

Not only did University of Southern Queensland (USQ) education student Eugene Seddon help Australia score gold at the recent University Student Rugby League World Cup, he impressed the selectors so much he was chosen as part of the Universities World Merit Team.

When the aspiring primary school teacher was selected to play for Australia he didn't expect to receive such a prestigious accolade.

"About 200 people played in the World Cup from the eight competing nations, and only 13 of us were selected on the World Merit team," he said.

"It is terrific. It's such an honour."

Eugene was joined by fellow USQ student Robbie Peters in the Australian team which remained strong throughout the competition, winning first place in the grand final game against England which was held on Saturday 20 July 2008.

"The games were a really good standard of footy. Australia was the more dominate team- we came out undefeated," Eugene said.

Eugene was amongst five other Australian players who were selected to receive the honour.

"Since Australia was such a strong team and finished first, it made sense that a few of us were selected in this world team. It's something that will really boost your profile."

Eugene has played local representative football for Toowoomba, south-west and Queensland teams over the last few years, and said after years of working for a butcher, he decided to fulfil his ambition to be teacher and enrolled in USQ's Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP).

Having successfully completed TPP Eugene commenced his degree earlier this year.

'University is going well. The study is going well and my marks have been good so far so personally I'm fairly happy.

'The thing I like the most about USQ is the Elite Athlete Program that's in place here, headed by Sharon Brabon. It's a program that identifies and understands students with sporting commitments in and away from uni and staff do all they can so that our sporting commitments doesn't hinder our learning here at USQ.

'Without this program I reckon I'd find playing league with my studies fairly difficult.'

In 2005 Eugene played in the Queensland Cup with the Broncos feeder Club the Toowoomba Clydesdales.

He has also played for the Queensland Rangers, and in 2006 Eugene played against the New Zealand Residents National Team in New Zealand.

The first University Student Rugby League World Cup was held in New Zealand in 1986.

Eight nations participated in this years games including, Wales, Scotland, France, England, Ireland and New Zealand.

Media Contact: Connie-Louise Rego, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977