The Group 19 Rugby League finals series starts tomorrow but will kick off in controversial circumstances after Uralla’s Reserve Grade team were deducted competition points for playing an unqualified player and have been booted from the finals.
Group 19 officials informed Guyra of the news in the last 24-48 hours, resulting in the Barraba Bulldogs moving into the Minor semi-final against Tingha.
Meantime Tingha Tigers, who received a lifeline after Guyra lost 10 competition points for forfeiting to Uralla, are expected to field a strong line-up for their 1st grade knockout semi against Glen Innes at Meade Park tomorrow with Coach Reece Cosgrove saying the second chance has given his side a boost ahead of the clash while Glen Innes Magpies coach Nick Ehsman says his side is fit and is hoping everyone will fire at the right time of the year.
Ehsman says they know what Tingha bring so just need to go with them from the get-go and hopefully prove too strong.
The major semi-final between the Inverell Hawks and the Uralla Tigers at Varley Oval on Sunday is expected to be a tough and rigorous contest.
Hawks Coach Jamie McCormack says they’re going in as the underdog after Uralla beat them at Varley Oval, stressing they’ve had a better preparation leading into finals.
McCormack also confirmed that Dion French is out for the season with scans confirming a torn MCL adding he has around 19 fit players to select from.
Uralla Tigers Coach Greg Ryan says his team is excited about the opportunity to play in a major semi-final and are expecting the Hawks to be right up for the occasion as they have consistently been the best side in the comp for the past few years.
Ryan says they will need to be at their best to compete with them on Sunday.
The minor semis tomorrow will see Barraba play Tingha in Reserve grade while the Ladies league Tag match will be between Uralla and Barraba.
On Sunday, the Hawks will also play Uralla in Reserve grade while the Hawkettes face Glen Innes in the major semi finals.
