PATIENCE, ball control and unrelenting defence.
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That's the combination Wingham co-coach Brad Staff believes will deliver the Tigers the Group Three Rugby League reserve grade premiership in Sunday's grand final against Forster-Tuncurry at Wauchope.
"It's not rocket science,'' Staff said.
"If we control the ball we win the game. We made a lot of breaks and half breaks against Port City last week but then wasted them by throwing loose passes, so we have to be patient.
"Our defence has been good for most of the year, I think we only conceded an average of 8.5 points a game, so we have to get that working again.''
Shearer (Michael Rees) is pretty important for us on the edge. And when he plays well the team usually follows
- Wingham co-coach Brad Staff
The Tigers only lost one game in the competition-proper in the last round against Port Macquarie. However, they were then beaten 22-12 by the Hawks in the major semi and then had to come from behind to defeat Port City 12-10 last week in the final. Staff admits the Hawks have the better recent form.
Centre Justin Mills (elbow) and hooker Adam Kerr (hamstring) are under injury clouds but both are expected to play.
"Nugget (Kerr) is having physio each day and he said that's working,'' Staff said.
He added the Tigers trained strongly on Tuesday night.
"I'm not cocky, but I'm confident we can win,'' Staff said.
"We've got experienced players in the right positions and a fair bit of speed.''
He said under 18 players Jarrad Gibson and Harry Lewis have retained their places on the wings after both turned in impressive performances last week.
"We'll be looking to give them more early ball,'' Staff said.
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However, he thinks second rower Michael Rees will play an decisive role.
"'Shearer (Rees) is pretty important for us on the edge. And when he plays well the team usually follows.''
He said the Tigers will also have an experienced bench and this has been further strengthened with the inclusion of utility back Blake Sky, who returns from injury. Versatile Corey Wheeler will also get plenty of game time in rotation with Kerr.
Staff agreed the Hawks will be tough. They controlled the major semi-final and have match winners including Jake Bolt at fullback, centre Des Donnelly and halfback Keegan Dodd.
Staff confirmed that win, lose or draw he'll be retiring after the grand final, as will co-coach Luke Steel, who will play five-eighth.
"So obviously we want to bow out winners,'' he added.
"It's been a great achievement - going through the season losing just two games, but now we have to finish it off and I'm sure we can.''
