Boggabri Kangaroos might be a patched up side but they pose a huge threat to Kootingal when the two sides meet in their fifth round Whitehaven Coal Group 4 first grade match at Jubilee Oval, Boggabri on Saturday.
The Roos sit just two points behind joint leaders Kootingal after winning their last three games against Gunnedah, Narrabri and Wee Waa.
Kootingal are unbeaten after wins over Gunnedah, Wee Waa, and Werris Creek. They have also had the bye to be sitting equal top with Moree Boars.
“Should be a good game,” said Boggabri coach Shane Rampling.
“Were competitive and had a good start.”
Hi side has been depleted with the loss of Jack Hayes, Jake Byrne and Mitch Fletcher but his Fijian players have been outstanding, the likes of Iliasa Kalokaldrau, Epeli Vulaserau and Malakai Kovekalou all damaging runners.
Rampling was sorting out his bench at Thursday night’s training session while Kootingal coach, Mark Sheppard, brought Kyle Cochrane into prop for the injured Jasper Thistle.
“Jasper broke two bones in his arm the other night,” he said of the young forwards plight.
“We’ll miss him”.
That he played on through that to finish the game was a courageous effort.
Cochrane, with skipper Logan Howard, was outstanding in defence against Werris Creek last Saturday night, poleaxing the Magpies in close.
Sheppard has named a strong side and knows they will to reproduce the sort of form that raced them to a 28-4 halftime lead against the Magpies, when they head west to Jubilee Oval.
“We’ve got to prepare for a big game,” Sheppard said.
“They’ve been going good,” he said of the Roos.
While the Roosters attack was breathtaking last Saturday the side also defended well in the second half.
North Tamworth Vs Gunnedah
North Tamworth Bears expect nothing but a “tough game” when they tackle Gunnedah in their fifth round Whitehaven Coal Group 4 first grade clash at Kitchener Park on Sunday.
The Bears have named a strong team with the return of key forwards Josh Schmiedel and James Cooper.
Schmiedel will captain the side and pose a serious threat to the Bulldogs on the right edge.
Coach Paul Boyce said the Bears have “plenty to work on” as they chase a ninth successive title.
“Theres plenty of challenges,
“The talent is there though. Gunnedah are always tough at home. We have to turn up and focus on our game.”
Othe Games
Moree will go up against Wee Waa.
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