Barbarians ready to battle against rugby's greatest

RUGBY UNION: He's been to Bledisloe Cup games and other Test matches, but now Steve Ball will get to play against the heroes he has watched.

The Gladstone Rugby Union Football Club Goats veteran will be a member of the Central Queensland Barbarians team taking on the Classic Wallabies at Rockhampton's Victoria Park on Saturday.

It will be the first time the Central Queensland Barbarians have played in such an event and the Classic Wallabies' maiden encounter in Rockhampton.

Ball said he was champing at the bit to take on players such as former Wallabies captain Stephen Moore - Australia's most-capped Test hooker, who played 129 Tests.

"It's a pretty big honour actually, and to step on the field against guys I have watched and who have won World Cups is going to be pretty cool," he said.

Ball said he didn't know whether he should be bracing for a physical encounter or expecting a bruise-free spectacle.

"Everything that we have been told is to be prepared for a game of rugby, but not 100 per cent sure how it's going to pan out," he said.

Ball has been a consistent player for the Goats this season, standing him in good stead if the Classic Wallabies decide to add a serious edge in the game.

"I have been showing up and doing my job," he said.

Fans are encouraged to buy tickets online ahead of the match and enjoy a $5 discount per ticket and avoid queues at the gate.

Kids 13 and under are free with a paying adult.

KEY TIMES

10.30am Free Kids Rugby Coaching Clinic registration opens

11am Gates open - Free Kids Rugby Coaching Clinic starts

11.50am Open School Girls Invitational Tournament Pool Matches

12.30pm Classic Wallabies Long Lunch

2pm Open School Boys Xvs - Marist College Emerald v CQ Combined Schools

3.15pm Open School Girls Invitational Tournament Finals

4.25pm Classic Wallaroos v Central Queensland Barbarians Women

5.10pm Classic Wallabies v Central Queensland Barbarians

CLASSIC WALLABIES TEAM

Matt Cockbain

Mark Connors

Sam Cordingley

Nick Gregorski

Sean Hardman

Justin Harrison

Stephen Hoiles

Patrick Howard

Julian Huxley

Troy Jaques

Peter Kimlin

Barry Lea

Patrick McCutcheon

Stephen Moore ©

Sam Payne

Patrick Phibbs

Radike Samo

Guy Shepherdson

Morgan Turinui

Lachie Turner

Laurie Weeks

Coaches

Daniel Herbert

James Holbeck