Werris Creek are prepared for one of the most important home games in their recent history against one of their oldest foes when they line up against North Tamworth in Saturday’s Whitehaven Coal Group 4 First Grade clash.
The final round game is vital for the second-placed Magpies.
Win and they will secure a major semi final berth against Moree at Moree the following Saturday.
Lose and they could finish third and have a knockout minor semi-final at home.
Werris Creek coach Dave Stewart much prefers the first option and has named one of his strongest sides of the season.
Doubts about star players Harlee Millgate and Cody Tickle were erased this week when they trained and declared themselves fit after being replaced early with injury against Dungowan last week.
“Harlee bruised a cheekbone but will be right,” Dave Stewart said.
“And Cody said he will be right. He wouldn’t be playing if he wasn’t right,” Stewart said of his captain.
That Norths will be desperate to win is an understatement, Stewart added.
“They sure will be,” he said.
“But we will be prepared for that.”
Winning also has an added bonus for the Creek as it will kick the defending premiers and long-time foes out of the premiership race.
Stewart has also named a strong side with Dylan Porter starting at hooker and Wes Riley on the bench.
It is an added bonus for the Magpies to have two such talented and different number nines.
Porter’s brilliance in an around the ruck with the ball is another attacking weapon for the Magpies while Riley’s toughness, tackling ability and hard work is another major strength.
“It’s also our Indigenous Day,” Stewart adds.
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