The world-renowned Newport Nasties Rugby Club announced their 2010 Golden Oldies World Festival Team to a packed audience of dignitaries and sporting personalities in front of the world's media on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House today. In sparkling mid-winter sunshine, the team was presented by Wallaby Great, Mark Ella to a rousing reception by the awestruck crowd. The first player presented was Nasties stalwart and legend, Troy 'Skip' McGrath to delirous screams from the huge crowd of over 10,000 people. Skip was followed by fellow Committeemen, Tim 'Tinkerbelle' Bentley and Mike 'Cowboy' Sergeant as adulation was placed on the star-studded lineup.

As the annoucemnents continued, huge cheers reverberated through the streets of Sydney. Flynnie recieved a huge response from the crowd, Sin-Bin was told to 'Get Off" while many females hearts fluttered as Mita strolled onto the stage. "This is unbelievable. HUGE!......" Paul Staunton told teammates. One of the biggest announcements of the day was when the Nasties revealed former Manly, New South Wales and Kangaroo's Legend Clffy Lyons would be part of their team. "I wish we were running on tomorrow....."  Gaven Sheehan commented.

The full list of the Nasties Squad is:

Forwards - Tim 'Tinkerbelle' Bentley, Chris Bottero, Justin ' The Hoff' Burgess, Mark 'Sin-Bin' Hodgson, Adam 'The Axe' Law, Troy 'Skip' McGrath, Mike 'Cowboy' Sergeant, Tony 'Pesty' Smythe, Paul Staunton, Mark 'Coach Mojo' Trollope, Darren 'TTE' Vaux, Simon 'Pup' Walsh, Trent 'The Enforcer' Williams, Geoff 'Chef' Wright.

Backs - Darren ' Deaks' Adams, Frank Elsworth, Johnny 'Dundee' Fienieg, Darren 'Flynnie' Flynn, Sean 'Gunner' Gartner, Campbell ' Soupy' Holmes, Pete Johnson, Mita Kovacevich, Sean 'Wendell' Panambalana, Colin Scott, Gaven Sheehan, Dean Guberina, Scott Dalton, Cliff Lyons.

With less than 6 weeks until the opening ceremony at the Sydney Town Hall, the excitement is building. Already the northern half of the peninsula is being draped in Blue, White and Pink in support of their local heroes. We wish them all well in the tournament.

Onwards & Upwards