WINGHAM will boast the club's biggest representation in a Group Three Rugby League side since 2002 in tomorrow's annual clash against Group Two at the Jack Neal Oval.
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The Tigers will have centres Tom Dooker and Tim Bridge, hooker Mitch Collins and utility Kurt Lewis in the 17 strong squad,
Lewis will be among the most experienced players in the group side. This will be the fifth time he's played at that level, while he has also been a member of the North Coast teams for the past two years. Dooker makes his return to the arena after playing as a winger when he was 19 while Bridge is a two-time representative. Collins, who is one of three hookers in the 17 strong squad, will be making his debut. The Tigers lead the Group Three competition and are unbeaten after four matches.
"This is the most the club's had playing for the group since 02 when they won the comp, so it's a big effort,'' Lewis, Wingham's captain-coach said.
While Lewis is considered an automatic selection in the group side, he said the he's the 'lucky one' this year.
"The two centres (Dooker and Bridge) have been killing it and Mitch has been going well,'' he reasoned.
Lewis isn't sure what to make of Group Two.
"I know they've got some big boys in the forwards and I've played with their halves before, but we won't know what they're like until Saturday,'' he said.
The group game is at 2pm and the Tiger representativess could be asked to back-up to play in the XX Trophies pre-season final against Port Macquarie starting at 6.45. Port Sharks have five players in the group squad and are in a similar position.
Lewis admits he is 'not a fan' of the concept.
"Being a player and playing two games on the one day is hard. But we're in the final and you've got to do what you've got to do,'' he said.
Lewis isn't sure if Wingham's other group players will available for the final.
"Two of them are outside backs and Mitch is on the bench, so they might be right, but I'll wait to see after the game,'' he said.
He said the Tigers will field a '50-50' squad for the clash with the Sharks, giving some reserve graders a chance.
He confirmed that Blake Fraser and Jake Mullen have been ruled out through injury. Work commitments will preclude Trent Green from playing.
"Trent was going to get off work but I told him not to worry because we're not playing for competition points,'' Lewis said.
Six clubs - Wauchope, Port City, Taree City, Wingham, Port Macquarie and Macleay Valley will be represented on tomorrow's program in either the under 18s or first grade plate and finals matches. The day will start with a league tag representative trial from 1pm.