OLD Bar coach Jamie Moorehead has yet to decide whether he'll start Sunday's Group Three Rugby League under 18 final against Port Macquarie with game breaking halfback Jake Hazard.
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Hazard, who also plays under 16s with Red Rovers, started off the bench in Old Bar's comfortable 22-10 win over Forster-Tuncurry in the minor semi last week.
"I used him more in a utility role,'' Moorehead said.
"I ran him on at lock and he had a roving role - he linked up with our captain Isaac Worboys and they gave us plenty of go-forward.
"But this week I don't know if I'll start Jake or use him from the bench again.''
Either way the Pirates will have a full roster for the game. In the opening week of the finals the Pirates started with 11 players, briefly had 12 but finished with 11 yet still thrashed Port City. They had an uncertain time going into last weekend's game against the Hawks, unsure if the Red Rovers contingent would be available as they also had to turn out in a major semi-final that afternoon.
There are six Red Rovers players on Old Bar's books. Four played against Forster.
Rovers won the major semi so have this weekend free.
"All six were at training this week and gave me the thumbs up about playing. But I'll leave the final decision to them,'' Moorehead said.
"It's been much easier this weekend knowing we're going to have a full side regardless.''
Moorehead admits it's been an up-and-down year for the side. However, he said two players, Worboys and second rower Luke Polson have been outstanding.
"Luke has the right attitude and a great work ethic. It's been a pleasure coaching him,'' he said.
The Sharks were thrashed by Wauchope last week 52-4 and could be carrying some mental scars from that encounter into Sunday's clash. However Moorehead expects a torrid encounter.
Port hooker Mitch Wibow was the difference between the sides the last time they met and Moorehead warns his side will have to keep a close check on him this week.