12:00a.m. 5th July 2008

A trio of Sunshine Coast rugby league stars will gladly swap their study books for a Steeden when they represent Australia in the Universities World Cup in Brisbane.

Martin Cordwell, Alan Kempt and Justin Volker will be part of the host nation’s campaign at the fortnight-long tournament, beginning with a clash with England at Griffith University tonight.

Also featuring in Australia’s pool is Scotland and Greece, while defending champions New Zealand have been drawn alongside France, Ireland and Wales.

Australia will be coached by former champion Parramatta, NSW and Australia five-eighth Brett Kenny.

The Australian Universities Rugby League has a proud tradition of players from its ranks, including Caloundra product and 2006 Queensland Origin star Adam Mogg.

The competition also includes teams from Wales, Ireland, and France.