Wallabies duo hop to Graceville

TAYLOR Bridge's 200 juniors' eyes lit up like Christmas trees when Australian Wallabies pair Drew Mitchell and James Slipper made a surprise appearance at the club's Tuesday training last week.

The Graceville-based rugby club won a competition to have two Wallabies visit their club in the week leading up to their opening Tri-Nations match against South Africa at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

Club president, Tim Huntley, said it wasn't only the eager youngsters who got a kick out of seeing their idols.

“They loved it, but also a lot of the parents got a bit of a thrill out of it too,” he said.

“It's a great boost for the club.”

Taylor Bridge's players, ranging from under-6 to under-12s, swamped winger Mitchell and young Queensland prop Slipper looking for autographs.

The duo signed everything the players threw at them, and then joined in with training, passing on some helpful tips to Australia's next generation of Wallabies.

“The kids really enjoyed themselves, playing against them (Mitchell and Slipper), running with them,” Huntley said.

“The two Wallabies were great and good with the kids.

“They signed everything for everybody.”

Taylor Bridge's streak of luck continued with under-8s player, Thomas Wilson, winning a competition to be the official ball boy for Saturday night's Tri-Nations clash at Suncorp Stadium.