Conor Taylor recalled to Old Bar's team to play Macleay Valley

Taylor joined the Pirates this year from English club Wigan St Patricks. He made an immediate impression when he was named in the North Coast under 23 team for the Country Championships, but was relegated to Old Bar's reserve grade earlier this month, with Old Bar coach Jamie Moorehead saying his side needed more direction.

However, Taylor's back in the number six jumper for the clash at Kempsey, replacing reserve grade coach Ben Witchard.

The Pirates have a few injury problems, with Moorehead switching Nathan Napier to the centres while Dylan Towers is back to his preferred spot at hooker.

Prop Carlos Kuhu-Martin and second rower Corey Sheehan have been been cleared to play after sustaining injuries in the previous week's 40-10 loss to Port City.

But while the results haven't been forthcoming at this stage for the Old Bar Pirates first grade rugby league team this season, the club's Generation Next continue to make progress.

Old Bar has yet to win a game in first grade and the hopes of making the playoffs are now in the impossible dream category.

However, coach Moorehead said the Pirates have unearthed some talent, led by cousins Tanna and Joe Hinton.

Tanna plays halfback while Joe is on the wing. They were the halves pairing in last season's under 18.5 grand final. Joe has been in the first grade side since the opening game of the season, while Tanna made his debut midway through the first round after starring in the early reserve grade encounters.

"Tanna's playing some really good football,'' Moorehead said.

"He's getting more confident each week and progressing really well.''

Joe Hinton is the leading try scorer in first grade this season.

"He hadn't played on the wing until this year. He's getting involved more every week and we'll try and get him closer to the action before the season is over,'' Moorehead added.

Another member of last season's under 18s, fullback/centre Joel Minihan has also cemented a place in first grade this year. Andrew Hills was a lock for the under 18.5s in 2018 but has been on the wing in first grade this season.

Hooker Daniel Cocksedge is still eligible for under 18.5s, but has played most of the season in first grade.

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Impressive Mustangs down Old Bar

Old Bar sits in second place on the under 18.5 ladder this year, two points adrift of Macleay Valley, so tomorrow's game will be vital to both teams.

Moorehead said the coaching staff will continue to develop the young talent in the club.

"We have full faith in them,'' he said.

Meanwhile the Mustangs will be without fullback Owen Blair, who has received a four match suspension after being sent off in the match against Taree City last weekend.