THE Gunnedah Daracon Red Devils are preparing for a backs-to-wall showdown with competition heavyweight Moree in the club’s final home game of the season at Rugby Park on Saturday.
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Decimated by injury and knowing the game will most certainly be a preview of the minor semi-final in just over two weeks time at Moree’s Weebollabolla Oval, the Devils are preparing for a Bulls’ onslaught on the day when the club recognises its sponsors.
“We are expecting a bumper crowd on Saturday which is our official Sponsors Day,” said Devils’ President, Stu Morrison.
“We will be looking to repeat the first round success at Moree when we upset the Bulls with what I believe was the gutsiest display in the four years I have been associated with the club.
“The following Saturday we travel to Tamworth to take on the Pirates so a win over Moree will be just the right tonic,” Morrison added.
The Devils will go into Saturday’s clash with 15 regular senior team players on the sideline.
“We have a full side out with injury in what has been a horror season for us.
“We just can’t take a trick.
“Young second rower Matt Roseby was injured at Inverell last weekend but we are hoping he will be back on the paddock for Pirates.
The club has lost open side flanker Jeremy Brown (knee) and centre Scott Mitchell (broken arm) in recent weeks, underlining the wretched injury run at the club.
“Jeremy is one of five players to wear the number 7 to be ruled out for the season with injury,” Morrison added.
“Joe Duffy came into the side and played exceptionally well but he too, is out with a season-ending problem.”
Morrison believes the side will be looking at its strengths when it takes on Moree.
“There is a great culture in the club and the players really play for each other and that is what could pull the boys through on Saturday.
“Our last three home games have seen fantastic crowds turn up to support us .
“Against competition leaders Narrabri two weeks ago we were right in it and only needed a few things to go our way and we could have got away with the points.”
The day kicks off at 12.30pm with the Under 16s taking on Pirates to be followed by the Second grade game.
The first grade encounter will get underway at 3.15pm.