WINGHAM captain-coach Mick Sullivan gave a guarded response when asked if the Tigers will be bolstering their roster this month for the remainder of the Group Three Rugby League season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"Hopefully,'' he said, without giving any indication on who the players might be or where they're from.
"It's always nice to add to the club's depth. But if it doesn't happen then I have complete faith in the players we have. We showed against Port Sharks that we can beat any team in the competition.''
The Tigers will meet Macleay Valley at Wingham on Sunday in a game that will have immediate bearing on the top five. Both teams are at this stage in the race for fifth place. Port City, Wingham and Macleay Valley all have six points.
Sullivan said this is a great opportunity for the Tigers to steal a march in the race for a finals place.
The Tigers produced by far their best effort of the year when upsetting Port Macquarie 30-28 in the game before the long weekend bye. Now Sullivan said they have to start producing back-to-back wins.
"The win-loss scenario is no good for us, we have to start winning consistently,'' Sullivan said.
"And I think the bye came at a good time for us. Sometimes after a good win a side can be a bit flat the following game, so having that break will freshen up the players.''
The Tigers will be without utility forward Nick Beachamp on Sunday but Blake Fraser returns and will slot straight into the front row.
Second rower Joel Kleindienst has been unavailable through work commitments but he is also back and will probably have a run in reserve grade.
Sullivan said the side will be much the same as accounted for the Sharks.
Macleay won the first round game after Wingham forfeited a 16 point lead.
"They're a turnover team - they capitalise on mistakes,'' Sullivan reasoned.
"And they scored one try against us last time that was just pheromonal. We have to ensure this game is played on our terms.''
RELATED:
Meanwhile there'll be an earlier start for games at the Wingham Sporting Complex on Sunday.
League tag will start at 10.30 with the first grade at 2pm.
Group Three this week asked for input from clubs concerning an earlier start for Sunday games, especially during June and July.
"With the 'drink breaks' still in operation we are finishing later than normal and in some cases lights are being used,'' Group Three chief executive Mal Drury said in a circular to clubs.
