TWENTY-TWO Mount Isa touch players have been rewarded with selection in the North Queensland Tropical Cyclones.
Following their performances at the recent North Queensland Touch Championships, they are part of squads that will be finalised at selection trials later in the year.
The over-26 women's side is best represented with nine of their 12 players earning a spot in the team.
After winning every round game over the two-day championships, they eventually went down to Cairns' Mann Street side in the grand final.
However, Mount Isa were well within striking distance of the well-drilled side, and looked capable of causing an upset when they went into the half-time break levelled at two-all.
Mann Street, with many talented Queensland and North Queensland representatives in their side, stormed home in the second half with their fitness the key, to win 7-3.
Coach Conrad Jakeman said his side put in a great showing, and were unlucky in the final.
"They really played great as a team, and played for each other," he said.
"Defence was the key, they worked hard to back each other up and shot down teams. It was what won us the games.
"The offence was great too, they threw the ball around patiently, waiting for the openings. It was awesome to watch. The girls just felt it in their legs in the second half of the final, but they can be very proud of how they went."
Jakeman said it was fully deserved that nine players from the team were selected in the representative side.
"To get nine of the 12 in the North Queensland side is a great result," he said.
"They really were a pleasure to coach, and I'd be more than happy to do it again."
Natalie Parker was also named player of the carnival, and should be assured selection in the final squad after a strong tournament.
Mount Isa took a women's 26, men's 40, men's 50 and scraped together a men's open side at the last minute, with all of them and playing strongly against some tough, structured sides.
To tour to 2011 National Touch League in Port Macquarie from March 8-12, 2011.
Mens open: Gian Guerra, Kel James, Russel Poole; Womens 27: Dione Kelvin, Natalie Parker, Lianna Westermann (shadow); Womens 35: Robyn Jakeman, Eryan Jones, Kristy Kreis, Jacinta Sabin, Paulina Paitilava, Rachel Wargent; Womens 40: Deborah Howie; Mens 40: Wayne Blackman, Gavin Ham; Mens 45: Robbie Busch, Roy Pattison; Mens 50: John Pattison; Mens 55: Bob Adams, Kel King, Frank Shuka, Ray Wilson.