Rugby union
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AN APPEARANCE in Wagga could be the start of something special for ACT Brumbies this year, according to renown rugby commentator Gordon Bray.
Bray, the voice of rugby with Channel 10, was in Wagga yesterday for the Brumbies in the Bush dinner ahead of the trial match between the Brumbies and Otago Highlanders at Equex Centre.
The Brumbies have a star-studded team assembled for the trial and with so many Wallabies in the squad, Bray has tipped them as the team to watch this season.
Falling to premier Waratahs in the semi-final last year, Bray believes the Brumbies can out-gun their fiercest rivals this season.
"This year I think might be a very big one for the Brumbies," Bray said.
"I've got a huge opinion of (coach) Stephen Larkham and without doubt he's going to be a Wallabies coach.
"He's one of our all time great players and has huge respect from the players, they love him, and I think his rugby brain is quite amazing."
Despite backing the Brumbies, Bray would like to see the style of game bring in bigger crowds ahead of the World Cup later this year in England and Wales.
"I just want to see all the Australian teams do well and play an attractive brand of rugby," Bray said.
"That's what gets the fans in and what keeps the crowds ticking over."
With so many stars lining up in Wagga, Bray believes it's a perfect opportunity for families to see some of the stars of the sport up close and in their own back yard.
"The Brumbies and Highlanders have world class players and to have the quality of football here in Wagga is fantastic," Bray said.
"Particularly for kids, as its an opportunity for families to have a good close look at high-quality rugby and to see what is available."
With the attacking brand of football played Bray also believes the trial will be a good advertisement for Riverina supporters to attend more Super Rugby games throughout the season.
Bray has concerns over what the effects the new insurance payments will have on rugby across the sport.
He believes it's important to continue to support grassroots rugby that has supplied so many quality footballers, and is hoping the new fee structure isn't detrimental to the sport.
There was a stellar line-up of stars from the past at the Brumbies in the Bush dinner Jon White, Beres Ellwood, Jim Lenehan, Jim Miller, Tony Gelling and duel-code international Arthur Summons in attendance.
Bray and Rod Kafer conducted interviews throughout the night with Brumbies players attending the function.