Boggabri will be missing a number of their star Roos when they host Wee Waa Panthers in their Round 13 Whitehaven Coal Group 4 First Grade clash at Cook Oval on Sunday.
Roos coach Shane Rampling is resting some of his squad who have niggling injuries while another three are off to a bucks party.
“We’ve got a few out,” he told Group 4 Media.
“Three of them are off to a bucks party and we’re still without Cameron Kerr.”
“I’m giving Iliasa (Kalokalodrau), Josefa (Biu) and Malaki (Kovekalou) a rest to get over some niggling injuries. They should all be back next week.”
“We won’t be taking them (Wee Waa) lightly though. We need to win and win well. We’re just out of the four.”
With regular skipper Matt Gillham away Rampling has selected prop Nic Millar to lead the Roos.
Millar has been in outstanding form this season and will skipper a Roos side that sits fifth, three points behind second-placed Kootingal (19) and six ahead of a desperate Dungowan on 10 points.
Dungowan tackles Gunnedah at Gunnedah on Saturday and must rekindle some of the electrifying play that engulfed North Tamworth last Saturday. Down 40-16 the Cowboys almost stole the game as Dylan Lake’s brilliance almost clawed the side a much-needed win.
Dungowan are still a chance of making the top four but must win at Gunnedah and start hoping results go their way.
Gunnedah won’t be easy and they showed plenty against Moree to suggest they will trouble anyone in the run home. Especially with such a good front row in Lincon Smith, KC Edmonds and hooker Callum Hayne.
Kootingal Roosters head to Werris Creek’s David Taylor Oval wary and determined, also affected by players unavailable to play.
The Roosters beat the Magpies 38-24 in the first-round game at Kootingal but know they are in for a much tougher contest given the points table entering Round 13 of the Whitehaven Coal Group 4 First Grade Competition.
“They are just the one point us,” Kootingal coach Mark Sheppard told Group 4 Media this week.
“And they will be out for revenge from the first round.”
“We’re on the back foot a little too with a few unavailabilities. We do have Leroy (Livermore) back this week though.”
Sheppard said the Magpies are “a dangerous side from 1 to 13”.
“Nate Follington is a good little footballer and he made good yardage against us (in the first round). Cody (Tickle) is experienced and solid and they have speed on the edges as well.”
He said the Roosters have “done some work” on their edge defence.
Werris Creek coach Dave Stewart has named a side with Ronin Hadden at fullback.
“He might not play though,” Stewart said. “He may have to work.”
If Ronin Hadden cannot play the Creek’s backline will shift around with Harlee Millgate likely to return.
Stweart was mindful of how well Kootingal played in the first round at Kootingal but is delighted with the way the Creek’s game has “been moving”.
Something going on in your part of the New England people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@netimes.com.au