THE Queensland Outback Barbarians were farewelled in fine style at the Alliance Hotel, Spring Hill, last week before heading to the US for an eight-match rugby union tour.
As the tour's youngest player, Goondiwindi's Joe Frey was presented with the team mascot Cobber, a toy stuffed Blue Heeler.
Joe is required to have Cobber in his care 24 hours a day, except when training or on the playing field.
Team manager Geoff Barton said any lapse in care would result in a fine, as would any infringements, real or imaginary, committed by any of the touring players.
Coach Mick Smith said all of the players are also required to carry their Linc Energy football on the bus and take the ball to each training session and to each match.
Diabetes Queensland is the tour's nominated charity.
Queensland Outback Barbarians vice captain Matt Langmack, James Woodgate, representing major sponsor Dyno Nobel, and captain Brendan Bunyan. Click on the image for a gallery of photos from the farewell.
A framed playing jumper was presented to James Woodgate, who was representing the main sponsor, explosives and fertiliser maker Dyno Nobel.
Dyno Nobel has supported three Outback Barbarians' tours, the last two as major sponsor.
The Queensland Outback Barbarians first match is against New Orleans on April 23.
Queensland Country Life's Mark Phelps is on the tour and will also provide coverage on queenslandcountrylife.com.au and on Twitter
Mark Phelps
Editor-in-chief of Queensland Country Life.
Editor-in-chief of Queensland Country Life.
