| 
Monday
October 2nd, 2006 - - A serious line-up of the nation’s best surfers will
feature in the Oakley State Team Challenge when NSW battles Queensland at Avalon
Beach this weekend. 
With surfing pride on the line and the likes of Ben Dunn (Old
Bar, NSW) and Julian Wilson (Coolum, QLD) representing their individual states,
a tough surfing skirmish is assured. Adding to the mix is two of the sports wiliest
legends in team Coaches Barton Lynch (Manly, NSW) and Sasha Stocker (Gold Coast,
QLD). ISA World Junior Champion Wilson is more than
ready to line-up alongside his fellow Queenslanders stating, “It’s about
time surfing had a format like this so I’m excited to be part of it and really
looking forward to representing my State and bringing home the title.”
Ben Dunn, the NSW young gun who is currently ranked ninth
on the ASP World Qualifying Series was quick to serve notice that his State has
the home ground advantage at the inaugural Challenge stating, “The event
sounds like a lot of fun but once we hit the water it will be game-on and there’s
no way Queensland will beat us on our home turf. I’ve surfed Avalon a lot
and it can be a tricky wave so it should be a heavy showdown for both teams this
weekend.” Dunn said. The Davis Cup style format
event will have teams comprising of four male and one female surfer. There will
be singles, doubles and triple heats with live commentary calling all the action.
Australia’s next generation of world stars such as Laurie
Towner (Angourie, NSW), Owen Wright (Culburra, NSW), Luke Dorrington (Gold Coast
QLD) and Nick Vasicek are all included in the class event. “We
are reigniting the greatest rivalry in Australian Surfing; New South Wales versus
Queensland,” said Mitch Thorson, Oakley Surf Marketing Manager. “Who
ever wins out of the Blues or Maroons will have some serious bragging rights.”
In addition, a celebrity expression session that will include
AFL and Rugby League players is scheduled to take place. NSW
Team:
Ben Dunn – Former World Junior Champion, 2007 WCT Surfer
Adam
Melling – ASP World Qualifying Series rookie
James Wood –
Former World Junior Champion, WQS rookie.
Owen Wright – Current
U/16 world champion
Laura Enever – U/16 NSW Champion
Coach
– Barton Lynch -1988 World Champion QLD
Team:
Julian Wilson – Current U/18 World Champion
Dean
Brady – Highly regarded power surfer, rookie WQS season
Luke Dorrington
– Highly rated Pro Junior
Nick Vasacek – Current Australian
U/18 Champion
Rebecca Oakley – Top Australian Junior Series performer
Coach
– Sasha Stocker - Australian Team Coach & former WCT competitor | 
