OLD Bar will welcome back centre Percy King but lose five-eighth/fullback Keda Moylan for the Group Three Rugby League clash against Taree City at Old Bar on Saturday.
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King missed Old Bar’s 22-20 loss to Wauchope a fortnight ago as he was in New Zealand for family commitments. However, he has returned to take his place for the clash against the Bulls.
“Percy was at training this week and it will be a boost to get him back,’’ co-coach Jason Morrissey said.
King's goal kicking was badly missed in the loss to the Blues. Moylan missed an attempt from virtually in front and that proved costly in the final result.
Morrissey revealed that Moylan has been granted a release to switch to Muswellbrook Rams. Moylan joined the club this year.
“They’ve found him a job down there in the mines so we’re not going to stand in his way,’’ Morrissey said.
Moylan has mixed the electric with the inexplicable this season, however Morrissey added that he gave the side some variety in attack. Experienced Corey Wheeler will start at five-eighth on Saturday.
“Corey had a bit of a late start this year because of injuries, but he deserves a chance now,’’ Morrissey said.
Morrissey confirmed that Nathan Maher will be staying at fullback for the foreseeable future.
“I think that’s Nathan’s best spot,’’ Morrissey reasoned.
“He has a good kick return and he has all the skills to be a fullback.’’
Morrissey said it is important for the Pirates to forget about the two point loss to the Blues at Wauchope a fortnight ago.
“I gave the boys the week off from training last week to think about things,’’ he said.
“We need to get back into the winner’s list. We’ve only lost three games this year – one to Port Breakers and they’re obviously the best side in the comp, but the others were to Wingham by one point and Wauchope by two, so we’re not going that badly.’’
However, Morrissey believes a top three finish is vital.
“Apart from the Breakers there’s not much between the rest of the sides, so you don’t want to find yourself in an elimination semi-final,’’ he said.
Old Bar scored a bruising win over Taree City in the opening round match and Morrissey is expecting another torrid encounter.
“Taree’s got a good young side and they've been improving,’’ he said.
“Hopefully we’ll get a big home crowd to see the game, I know the boys are looking forward to it.’’
Bulls look for a halfback
TAREE City’s coaching staff has still to settle a halfback for the remainder of the Group Three Rugby League season.
The position has been vacated following Mick Henry’s departure to Muswellbrook.
“Dean Mills played there in our last game but that might not be the case on Saturday,’’ captain-coach Matt Everitt said.
The Bulls, currently in fourth place, meet Old Bar tomorrow at the Old Bar Reserve.
“I’ll sit down with the other coaches and we’ll decide who we think will serve us best not only in this game but going forward,’’ Everitt added.
The Bulls will be slightly down on strength and will be without second rower Michael Peachey and utility player Shannon Mulay.
Everitt was due to finalise the squad last night.
The Bulls go into the game on 16 points, one clear of the Pirates although Old Bar has a game in hand.
At the moment the top five is clear, however, this is complicated by Port Macquarie’s appeal against the loss of six competition points.
Everitt said the Bulls will concentrate on their own performances and not worry about what happens with the Sharks.
“The boys had a week off last week and were nice and fresh at training on Tuesday. We had a talk about what we want to achieve in the remaining games,’’ he said.
Big day out for Old Bar’s Old Boys
THE Group Three Rugby League clash between Old Bar and Taree City at Old Bar on Saturday will also be the first outing for the newly formed Old Bar Old Boys.
“We already have about 40 members and we haven’t been pushing too hard yet,’’ first grade coach Jason Morrissey said.
“Darrin Dark and Jamie Moorehead have done a great job getting it going. Hopefully we’ll get a couple more new members tomorrow.’’
The day will also be Old Bar’s annual Indigenous Round with players to wear special jumpers to mark the occasion. NSW State of Origin star Latrell Mitchell is expected to be a special guest along with former St George winger Nathan Blacklock.
After the football there will be a function at Club Old Bar.