Cowra’s task of knocking over Oberon Tigers in Friday night’s Bathurst Panthers Knockout has been made a bit tougher, with Warren Williams injuring his hamstring in the All Stars match last weekend and news forward Ronald Lawrence could be out until round two.
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The duo, Williams a 2016 Western Ram and Lawrence a 2016 Group 10 representative, would obviously be two starters in Cowra’s full-strength side but won’t take the field at Carrington Park.
Despite that, coach Rory Brien is looking forward to the challenge, as a number of players will be having their first run around for the new season.
Three regulars from last season, halfback Cameron Breust, front-rower Blake Tidswell and centre Desi Doolan, all return after not playing in the trial against Young Cherrypickers.
They’re expected to fill those respective roles in tonight’s 20-minute halves match, while new recruit Cameron Picker and gun Cowra junior Rick Nobes will also line-up following good showings against Young.
“It’ll be a good little hit out heading into the season,” coach Rory Brien said.
“By round one I think it’ll be a completely different line-up, we still have a few things to finalise. In saying that, I’m pretty confident about this weekend.”
Brien identified Rick Nobes as someone who could steer the Magpies to success against the Tigers. Nobes is playing his debut season in the top grade and looks to have cemented his spot in the number nine jumper.
“He’s a country under 18s player, not many teams have that,” Brien said. “We really have a strong base of players here in Cowra.”
Due to the nature of the style of footy played in 20 minute halves, Brien expects Bathurst Panthers to be dominant.
“Twenty minute halves it’ll be quick football. Bathurst Panthers will excel I’d say with their big pack,” Brien said.
Meanwhile Oberon are set to unveil a new front rwo with big-name signing Ryan Verlinden poised to have a big impact. The prop confirmed this week that he will be wearing a Tigers jumper in 2017, his signing coming as a big boost for the Group 10 club.
Verlinden, who will join Young native Jake Dawe in the front row, brings a wealth of experience to the Tigers having played in the NSW Cup for Cronulla Sharks, North Sydney Bears and the Newtown Jets.
Magpies play Oberon tonight, 8pm.
The Knockout continues at 10am Sunday.
