"IT'S these games you play footy for, this is what you look forward too.''
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So said Wingham captain-coach Kurt Lewis as he prepares his side for Sunday's Group Three Rugby League mega-clash against Port Macquarie Sharks at the Wingham Sporting Complex.
The match is a promoter's dream. Wingham go into the contest unbeaten after seven games. Port, the defending champions, have dropped just one encounter. The Tigers (21 points) and the Sharks (19) are clear of third placed Macleay on 14.
"This will be the biggest game the young blokes in our team have played,'' Lewis said, adding there'll be a 'whopper crowd' at the sporting complex.
Wingham will welcome Lewis (five-eighth) and centre Tim Bridge back into the side after both were in Coffs Harbour last Saturday on duty with the North Coast side.
This will enable Mitch Collins to move back to his representative spot at hooker. The Tigers didn't miss a beat in their absence when they thrashed Wauchope 40-12.
"We'll still have about five blokes out,'' Lewis said.
"Thomas Dooker, Ben Welsh and Luke Steel have all started training but they won't be playing this weekend.''
While the Tigers lead the way Lewis has no hesitation in nominating Port Macquarie as the benchmark.
"People have been talking us up, but Port's the premiers and the Clayton Cup winners,'' he said.
He described hooker/five-eighth and captain-coach Joe Cudmore as their 'main man' adding that the Sharks field a formidable pack of forwards capable of steamrolling opposition.
"I haven't seen them play this year but I know what they're capable of,'' Lewis said.
He was a member of the Port City side beaten by the Sharks in last year's grand final.
Lewis was also quick to give his underrated forwards a vote of confidence.
"They do whatever's asked of them. I couldn't be happier with them.''
Lewis said a win could pave the way for Wingham securing the minor premiership, even though the competition is only at the halfway point.
"I haven't told the boys that yet, but it's been in the back of my mind,'' he said.
"If we win we'll go two wins clear of them and that will give us a good advantage.''
While he said he's been 'pumping the young blokes up' at training this week, Lewis is mindful that the team can't let the occasion get the better of them. Concentrating on football will be the high on the agenda early in the encounter.
The game will kickoff at 3.15, Wingham treasurer Craig Martin is confident the crowd on Sunday will be the biggest the sporting complex has seen since grand final day in 2003.