OLD Bar will stick with veteran Ben Witchard at five-eighth for Sunday's Group Three Rugby League clash against Wingham at the Old Bar Reserve. Coach Jamie Moorehead called Witchard into the side to play Forster-Tuncurry last Sunday, concerned at that his side lacked direction. Even though Forster won 36-14, Moorehead was happy with Witchard's effort.
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"I thought Ben went quite well, and our shape looked a lot better,'' Moorehead said.
He conceded he hasn't yet worked out the role North Coast under 23 representative Conor Taylor will play. He was demoted to reserve grade last week but played soundly when coming off the bench in firsts.
"Connor will be on the interchange,'' Moorehead said.
"But I'm not too sure if he plays reggies first or sits by as a fresh reserve.''
Winger Joe Hinton missed last weekend because of a family commitment but returns to take on the Tigers.
Despite their barren opening five weeks of the season Moorehead said the Pirates are still in the hunt for a top five berth, pointing to the bunched nature of the ladder.
"We just need to get that one win and hopefully that'll propel us to a few more.
The Hawks ended up comfortable winners last weekend but Moorehead claimed the score wasn't a true reflection, saying a couple of late length of the field tries blew out the result.
However, Moorehead concedes the Pirates face a challenge on Sunday.
"Wingham's the yardstick in this year's competition,'' he said.
"And I think they'll only get better.''
