OLD Bar co-captain-coach Jake Wheeler hopes size will matter in Saturday’s Group Three Rugby League elimination semi-final against Taree City at the Jack Neal Oval.
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“I’ve picked the biggest (forward) pack possible,’’ Wheeler said yesterday as the Pirates prepare to play their first finals match since 2014.
Wheeler readily recalls the last time the sides met when Old Bar’s forwards steamrolled their smaller counterparts, albeit on a wet track at Old Bar. While conditions will be firmer tomorrow at the Neal Oval, Wheeler believes the forward battle will hold the key.
“If our forwards can pave the way I’m sure our backs will carve them up,’’ Wheeler predicted.
He’ll work his big men, Zeb Samuel, Andy Petelo, Anthony Paulson and Matt Ferrance in rotation as the Pirates will look to pound the defensive line.
Wheeler said apart from the hiccup against Wingham two weeks ago Old Bar’s form has been solid in recent weeks.
“There’s been a different intensity at training going into the semis.
“We haven’t played finals for a couple of years, so the boys are pumped for Saturday.’’
Wheeler confirmed that second rower Sean Carr won’t be back this season after he succumbed to neck and shoulder injuries. Wheeler will lock the scrums with Jacob Stevenson and Zeb Samuel in the second row.
“Otherwise we’re at full strength,’’ Wheeler added.
Winner of the match will play the loser of Sunday’s preliminary semi-final between Macleay Valley and Port Macquarie.
Henry back for Bulls
HOOKER Mick Henry will return to the Taree City run-on squad, dispelling fears he would miss the rest of the season.
Positive news on Henry is timely for the Bulls following the loss of Matt Everitt (see page 1).
Rib and shoulder injuries had looked set to sideline Henry for the rest of the year.
Taree City coach Gary Bridge said two under 18s, Toby De Stefano and Bruywn Tisdell will be in the starting 13. Both will then play in the preliminary under 18 semi-final on Sunday at Kempsey. There’ll be two or three other under 18s on the bench.
Bridge described the Pirates as a ‘bogey side’ for the Bulls. He agreed Old Bar outclassed Taree in their last encounter, but he’s confident of a stronger showing on a firmer ground.
Bridge said the Bulls will have to fix some of the defensive lapses that marred their loss to Port Macquarie last weekend and relegated them to fourth.
Minor grades
WHILE Port City was the most successful club in the Group Three Rugby League competition-proper, Taree City was the only club to qualify for the semi-finals in four grades.
However, three – the women's league tag, reserve grade and first grade face elimination semi-finals on Saturday at the Jack Neal Oval.
The Bulls finished fourth on on percentages and play fifth placed Wauchope tomorrow in league. Taree City’s reserve grade faces a test against Macleay Valley while the first grade meets Old Bar.
The Bulls finished third in under 18s on percentages and will play Old Bar on Sunday at Kempsey’s Verge Street Oval in the preliminary semi. Taree will be the defending under 18 premier.
Old Bar will have two sides on display on Sunday at Kempsey. The Pirates finished third in league tag and will meet Forster-Tuncurry, with the second placed under 18s tackling Taree City. Macleay Valley are the under 18 minor premiers, with Port City claiming the minor crown in league tag.
Wingham’s reserve grade will be the club’s only side in the semi-finals. The Tigers finished third and meet Port Macquarie on Sunday at Kempsey. Port City won the minor premiership.
Matches on both days start at 10.55 with league tag followed by 18s at noon, reserve grade at 1.25 and first grade at 3pm.