OLD Bar Pirates will be bolstered by the return of a couple of players who were skiing in New Zealand last weekend for Sunday's Group Three Rugby League under 18.5 preliminary final against Port City at Wingham.
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The Pirates and Port City met in the final round game at Old Bar last Saturday. Old Bar came away with the points 16-12, but it was a tough struggle
"We had a couple away, but they're back now and we're at full strength, which is good,'' Old Bar co-coach Darrin Dark said.
The Pirates and Macleay finished level on 24 points after the competition-proper, however, the Mustangs claimed the minor premiership because of a superior points differential. Old Bar defeated Macleay in the opening game of the season, but were docked two points for fielding an unregistered player. Macleay were then awarded the points.
"We don't want to dwell on that,'' Dark said.
Two Old Bar players had stints in the SG Ball earlier this season - five-eighth Drey Mercy with the Sydney Roosters and prop Kane Evans with Newcastle. Evans, in particular, has been a powerhouse for the Pirates this season, Dark saying he has a strong work ethic. Evans has been used extensively in first grade.
A number of players from both sides have had first grade experience this season.
Wingham and Port Macquarie will play in the elimination match on Saturday. The teams also met last weekend, where Port won 16-12 at Port Macquarie.
Wingham fullback Jarrad Gibson will back up on Sunday to play on the wing in first grade, while second rower Will Gee will sit on the bench.
