Cowra captain Chris Miller says the Eagles’ win two weeks ago over Forbes counts for nothing in the two sides’ rematch in Sunday’s elimination final.
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He does believe an expected huge home crowd could play a role at the Cowra Rugby Grounds, Miller labelling the Red Men faithful the “best supporters in the competition”.
The Old Boys watched on at training on Thursday evening before enjoying a barbecue and few drinks with the players while wishing them all the best for Sunday.
Miller said support of the home fans will play a big role on Sunday.
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“I’ve said it before we have the best supporters in the competition. The players really feel the support from the club,” Miller said.
“There’s a lot of blokes in the team who haven’t played semi-finals at all or haven’t played semi-finals in recent years. A lot of the Old Boys are coming down to training to watch us and wish us luck which means a lot.”
The victory two weeks ago secured Cowra’s first home semi-final in five years.
It capped off a remarkable recovery after the Eagles lost three straight to start the season.
Miller puts it down to a shift in attitude. He said the players and officials got together for a meeting after that opening three weeks and discussed what they wanted out of the year.
“We’re here to win it. Each week we’re playing to the best of our ability. It was tough after the opening three weeks we’d lost three in a row but we had a meeting after that and there was definitely a change,” Miller said.
“It’s semi-final football now so that win [two weeks ago] counts for nothing. We have to put that behind us and look no further ahead. Our focus has to be wholly and solely on this game.”
The Eagles backs were hugely impressive in their last start and Miller expects Forbes to remember that.
He’s tipping Tim Berry to have a big influence as one of the most experienced players on the park.
Cowra:
1 Tom Cummins, 2 Evan Stanbridge, 3 Joe Dakuitoga, 4 Owen Linnel, 5 Chris Miller ©, 6 Tim Berry, 7 Jeremy Montgomery , 8 Aiden McCleary, 9 Troy Jeffs, 10 Bill Cummins, 11 Jacob McNaught, 12 Jack Thurtell, 13 Kali Nacina, 14 Elliot Brice, 15 Pate Breamaisur