Orange CYMS’ commanding victory over Hawks in last weekend’s Group 10 derby may have handed the green and golds bragging rights and the Ray Kelly Memorial Shield, but the 28-point win hasn’t come without a price.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Leading into Sunday’s gargantuan grand final rematch against the Mudgee Dragons – the second of 2017 – CYMS captain-coach Mick Sullivan confirmed his side has suffered two massive casualties from the brutal all-Orange grudge match.
Sullivan, who wound back the clock in a stunning performance against Hawks, confirmed unstoppable prop Chris Bamford and glittering winger Tom Satterthwaite are both facing lengthy stints on the sideline after picking up injuries against the two blues.
“A few boys copped knocks, it was a physical game, but obviously Bam and Tommy are the main worries,” Sullivan said.
“Bam’s hurt his shoulder and looks like he’ll miss five or six weeks and Tommy’s hurt his groin, looks like he’ll be out for a month too.
“It’s not ideal obviously and hopefully they’re back a bit earlier than expected, but worst case they’ll be back in the semi-finals.”
Hopefully they’re back a bit earlier ... but worst case they’ll be back in the semi-finals.
- CYMS captain-coach Mick Sullivan
Bamford has been the best prop – actually, the best player full stop – in Group 10 this season, by the length of the straight.
He led the competition’s MVP stakes at the halfway point of the season, polling votes in every single one of CYMS’ first seven games to boot.
It’s not tough to see comprehend just how big a hole – literally and figuratively – he’ll leave through the green and golds’ middle third.
“He’s been outstanding and the big thing for me is I really hope this doesn’t cost him that player of the year award, it’d be very deserved considering the season he’s had,” Sullivan said.
“But I think he was a fair way in front. He and Timmy Mortimer have probably shared the points most weeks for us, so hopefully Bam can still get there despite missing the last few games."
Satterthwaite has been a revelation on CYMS’ flank too, he’s one of the competition’s best finishers and, when it’s necessary, has proven he has no issues moving in and getting his hands dirty.
His workload and ability to eat metres in CYMS’ exit sets are two of his best assets, both of which the side will miss badly.
“Tommy’s right up the top of the try-scorers and he’s been very, very good on that wing this season,” Sullivan said.
Although, Sullivan explained, the club does has the benefit of unparalleled depth at the moment.
So much so, he’s likely to have the benefit of bringing premiership-winning players back into the side.
“We do have options,” Sullivan said.
“Although Brock (McGarity) is still out too, Rob Mortimer is back from America and Joe Duffy has just been outstanding. We’ll probably shift Joey back up to the front row, although we’ll be working for Paradise (Mann) to build into a few more minutes without Bam too.
“With Kurt Beahan going back to finish the season in Narromine, the logical choice is probably Jerome (Harrison) to go onto the wing.”
CYMS host Mudgee on Sunday afternoon.