This is Taree’s annual fund raiser for Manning Valley Can Assist and the Bulls are also hoping to beat last year’s record figure of $22,000. Kristylea lost her battle against a rare form of cancer in 2013 and the first Kristylea Bridge Cup challenge was played the following year against Wingham.

Taree ended Wingham’s three year domination of the cup in 2017 when halfback Todd Bridge – Kristylea’s brother – was named player of the game. The Bulls won 30-22, with Bridge kicking five goals.

On Saturday both sides will be desperate for competition points.

The Bulls are in equal fifth place with Port Macquarie on the ladder with two matches remaining. However, the Sharks had a far healthier points differential. Port also plays Forster-Tuncurry this weekend and should win comfortably. A loss will end Taree’s faint hopes of making the playoffs.

After  this weekend Taree finishes the competition-proper against leaders Port City at Port Macquarie. Port Macquarie plays Wingham at Wingham in the last round.

Wingham captain-coach Danny Russell described Saturday’s game as a ‘must win’ for his team. The Tigers are third on 26 points and a result over Taree City would secure the spot for the semi-finals.

“We blew a chance of getting second spot with that draw,’’ Russell said on Saturday after his side finished 16-16 with Old Bar.

“We need to win next Saturday to consolidate third.’’

Two losses in the next fortnight could result in Wingham dropping to fifth.

The season’s biggest crowd is expected to pack into the Neal Oval on Saturday.

Can Assist representatives will be running fund raisers throughout the day while the Taree Old Boys will be having their second outing of the year.

“We raised about $22,000 last year and we’re aiming to top that,’’ Gary Bridge, Kristylea’s dad, said.

Supporters shirts for the day are still on sale at Bridgey’s Sports Power in Taree.

Todd Bridge isn’t playing this year so Matt Bridge will fly the family flag. He’ll play fullback for the Tigers. Matt is Kristylea’s cousin.

Last year Matt and his brother, Tim were in the Wingham side with Todd in the halves for the Bulls. This season Tim is playing with Scone in Group 21.

Retaining the cup would be a positive in what has otherwise been a difficult year for the Bulls both on and off the field. There’ll on be three matches on the program, as Wingham doesn’t field an under 18s.

The Taree City first grade players will wear specially designed jumpers for the day and these will be auctioned that evening at a function to be held at Taree Leagues Sports Club.