MANNING Ratz coach Danial Stone won't finalise his side for tomorrow's Lower North Coast Rugby Union major semi-final against Forster-Tuncurry at Tuncurry until just before the kickoff.
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The Ratz have already been stung by the loss of second rower Dave Rees, who will sit out a one game suspension.
Utility back Izaac Solomon aggravated an ankle injury in the game against Wauchope last Saturday while winger Matt Hardcastle is struggling with a bad back. Neither trained on Tuesday night.
"Matt could hardly walk on Monday,'' Stone said.
Hardcastle has been a regular try scorer for the Ratz this winter, running in a hat-trick in the game against Wauchope.
Stone intends to give both every chance to be right for the game, although he won't risk them unless they're close to full fitness.
Stone said Rees has been the Ratz best forward this year. He's unsure what he'll do should both Hardcastle and Solomon be forced out, but said he has a few options.
"I ran Mitch Carter at fullback last week - Chris Fitzsimmons can cover the centres or the wing, so there's a few things I can do,'' he said.
Clint Walker will return to play fullback, with Ricky Campbell to start in his first rugby union semi-final at five-eighth. Campbell will also have the goal kicking responsibilities.
The Ratz and Forster finished on equal points after the competition-proper but the Dolphins claimed the minor premiership on points differential. This will be the third successive year the clubs have met in the major semi at Tuncurry, with the Dolphins winning the previous two encounters en-route to taking out two grand finals.
Forster won the first round clash at Tuncurry 22-20, the Ratz prevailing 17-13 at Taree in the second.
"There's nothing between us,'' Stone said.
"I think it will come down to the side that turns up on the day.''
However, he will warn his players about ill-discipline. Stone is particularly wary of Forster goal kicker Lee Crozier's boot.
"We gave away a few penalities in the second half the last time we played them. We just can't afford to do that,'' Stone said.
"We can't gift them points.''
While the winner will have the luxury of a week off as well as a home grand final the loser faces the prospect of playing Gloucester. The Cockies will be at short odds to beat Wallamba in the minor semi-final.
