GROUP Three Rugby League selectors have rushed Old Bar prop Jarrad Wooster into the under 23 representative side to meet Group Two at Wingham on Saturday.
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Wooster started the season with St George’s (SG Ball) under 18 side before returning home to the Pirates when he had finished commitments with the Red V. He was impressive in Old Bar’s 28-14 win over Wauchope in the opening round last Saturday.
He’ll join club-mates Joel Dark and Shannon Ellem in the representative side, with Ellem the captain.
Wingham winger Michael Bailey has also been added to the squad as 18th man, with Group Three having a couple of injury concerns, although coach Dean Hurrell was reluctant to name the doubtful starters.
Group two thrashed Group Three last year but Hurrell insisted that’s now ancient history.
“I couldn’t even tell you what the score was or who was in the side,'’ he said.
“I know last year the preparation was a factor, but that’s been forgotten. We’ve had a couple of good training sessions and we know we can win this match. So do the players.’’
He is confident the forwards, led by Ellem, Port Macquarie's Mick Smith and Port City hooker Mitch Wilbow will pave the way for a Group Three win.
The game will kick off at 1pm and Hurrell said this will also be an advantage for Group Three.
“They’ll have to make the long bus trip to Wingham – some of them will be coming from Grafton,’’ he reasoned.
“So hopefully they’ll start a little slow and that could give us a bit of an edge.’’
Experience will be a key
MEANWHILE big game experience will stand Group Three in good stead for the representative league tag clash against Group Two at Wingham on Saturday.
“I think that’s going to be a big plus for us,’’ coach Lyn Eason said.
She pointed out that most members of the Group Three squad have played representative league tag previously, some at Country Championship level. In contrast league tag only started in Group Two last year, although the 2017 representative game was closer than expected.
Eason said the squad has had two good training sessions and will be unchanged from the one originally chosen.
“We don’t have any injury worries,’’ she added.
Eason believes Group Three has strong forwards and says they’ll pave the way.
“But we’re pretty good right across the park,’’ she said.
Eason has said previously she will be keen to coach North Coast should Group Three prevail tomorrow.