A SPEEDY backline holds the key to Manning Ratz advancing to the club's first Lower North Coast Rugby Union grand final since 2014 in tomorrow's major semi-final against Forster-Tuncurry at Tuncurry.
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Coach Mitch Carter is confident that the Ratz have the edge out wide, with players the calibre of centres Bruywn Tisdell and Toby De Stefano and fullback Ricky Campbell.
The Ratz will also be close to full strength, bolstered by the inclusion of top forwards Dave Rees, Sam Hartnett and Steve Taylor.
"We have a smart backline, there's speed to burn,'' Carter said.
"I think that's where we hold the advantage, so we need to get them some clean ball.
"We also have a mobile back row.''
Carter was also interested to learn the Dolphins will be without their powerful Tongan connection.
"That's handy to hear,'' he said.
Carter said the versatile Campbell has slotted nicely into the custodian's role after playing centre and stand off at various stages of the season. This has been his return season to rugby after playing premier league football for the Taree Wildcats for the past couple of years.
"I think fullback is Ricky's best position,'' Carter said.
"He read the game well and he has a good kicking game.''
The Ratz will check the fitness of prop Chris Noonan, who is struggling with a knee injury.
"He hurt it early in the year and missed three or four games then he came back last match,'' Carter explained.
"But he's injured it again and he'll be a big loss if he's out.''
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The Ratz managed a come-from-behind draw in the opening round but lost the other two encounters in the season-proper. Carter said ill-discipline proved costly in both defeats.
"That's one area we have to improve, we can't give away cheap penalties,'' Carter said.
"We have to keep out mouths shut.''
Carter concedes the Dolphins will take a power of beating.
"They're no undefeated for nothing,'' he noted.
While the Dolphins have been the benchmark this year they didn't have things all their own way when before subduing Wauchope Thunder in the last round game. The Ratz had the bye last week.
Premiers Wallamba and Wauchope will meet in the minor semi, also tomorrow at Tuncurry.
In the women's 10's competition, minor premiers Wauchope meet last year's champions, the Gloucester Cockies in the major semi-final.
Manning River play Wallamba in the elimination semi-final.
