ABOUT half of Old Bar's squad for Sunday's Group Three Rugby League under 18 grand final were members of the 2019 premiership winning side.
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The Pirates beat Macleay Valley in the 2019 match at Wauchope. On Sunday Old Bar will tackle Wingham.
Coach Lee Hoawerth said grand final experience would 'definitely be an advantage' for his squad.
"Most of them know what is required to win a grand final,'' he said.
The Pirates finished the nine game competition-proper in fourth place and then earned a third consecutive grand final berth by upsetting the hitherto unbeaten minor premiers Macksville in the elimination semi-final. So now all is set for the showdown against the Tigers.
The Pirates don't have any injury problems and Hoawerth said Sunday's side will be as good as they can put on the field.
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Drey Mercy played five-eighth in last year's grand final and was one of the best players on the ground. He's switched to the back row this year and Hoawerth said he's made a smooth transition. He agreed that the strong running and quick stepping Mercy would be a key player for the Pirates.
Hooker Dane Hinton is another Pirate who has been consistent this season along with halfback Joey De Stefano.
