Moree Boars will be at full strength for this afternoon’s Whitehaven Coal Group 4 First Grade Grand Final against Boggabri Kangaroos.
The Michael Watton captain-coach Boars have no injury concerns and will be ready to perform against the Roos at Boughton Oval.
They will also be staging their first home Grand Final in more than 20 years on what could be a hot day.
The Weather Bureau has forecast 29 degrees for Moree on Saturday and that, along with the home ground advantage, will give Moree an extra advantage, Michael Watton said.
“That’s our strongest side,” Michael Watton said.
“We haven’t had a home Grand Final for a long while.”
Moree lost to North Tamworth in last year’s decider at Jack Woolaston Oval, North Tamworth before carrying almost all before them this season.
The minor premiers have lost just the once, to Werris Creek at Werris Creek, earlier this season but then rebounded to flog them by 40 points in the major semi at Boughton Oval.
Boggabri beat Werris Creek at Werris Creek last week to earn a crack at the Boars. The Boars have won both games against Boggabri, 34-18 in the first round and 38-32 in the second round.
“That’s the best side we can put on the paddock,” Michael Watton reiterated.
“Just got to perform well, play well on the day.”
He said the side has prepared well, trained well and want to play well on a special day.
“It’s pretty simple really, run hard, tackle hard and control the ball.
“Any side that does that and has the majority of possession usually wins. We want to starve them of the ball,” he said of his side’s match plan to ensure the momentum of the game goes his side’s way.
That the temperature could be a hot 29 degrees on Saturday also fills Watton with confidence.
“The hot conditions will suit us,” he said.
He has a team of attacking threats starting at fullback with Lachlan McGrady and continuing through a brilliant backline containing centres Mark Pegus and Alex barker Junior and wingers Dereik Newman and Jake Tighe.
Halves Jamie Sampson and Watton control the attack with a forward pack led by props Chris Vidler, Daniel Jobson and Jack Mitchell. Lock Jack Durheim is another major organizer while backrowers Brenton Cochrane and Brent McDonald offer differing aspects, Cochrane’s brilliant attack in and around the ruck and McDonald’s defensive prowess as well as an ability to run the holes in attack.
Joe Wade, Cameron Rodgers and Marshall Barker also provide plenty of attacking thrust off the bench.
Group 4 Grand Final Details
Boughton Oval, Moree – Saturday, September 7
First Grade (Kickoff 3.05pm): MOREE BOARS v BOGGABRI KANGAROOS
Second Grade (kickoff 1.15pm: DUNGOWAN v WERRIS CREEK
Under 18 (Kickoff 11.30am): DUNGOWAN v KOOTINGAL
Ladies League Tag (Kickoff 10am): KOOTINGAL v NORTH TAMWORTH
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