WEST v NORTH

WEST Lions have been hit by the flu bug just days out from the Group 4 major semi-final against local rivals North Tamworth but hope to field a full-strength side against the premiers at Scully Park.

One of those struck down is skipper Nathan Hamlin.

“The biggest problem is the flu at the moment,” West coach Tony La Chiusa said.

“We were missing six or seven at training on Tuesday because they were crook with flu.

“I suppose all sides go through it but it’s disappointing at this stage of the year to only have half a side.

“Fish (Hamlin) is one of the ones with the flu and Clouty (Scott Clout) as well.

“If they pull through we’ll be pretty close to full strength, bar Matt Nean.

“Ad Miller is also a worry because he suffered a work injury.”

The Lions have a strong squad with plenty of depth but are still desperate for Hamlin to recover.

“We’ll look to Fish to lead us,” La Chiusa said.

“When we played them before he only played five minutes because he was crook and then he had an injury which is fully healed now.

“It’s just the flu now so hopefully he’ll be right to lead us.

“Brendan Hunt is playing good football and his rugby (union) commitments are finished now.

“Then there’s Andrew Loveday and Scott Clout who are the senior players.

“We’ve got the enthusiastic guys like (Chris) Vidler and Kyle Cochrane and then there’s clever players like Matt Wilson, Phil Beaton and Luke Berger.

“They’re the guys that can fire off the forwards.”

West has also been unsuccessful in its bid to select Farrer High School First XIII players such as Jake Hawkins.

La Chiusa said the club was “not happy” about the situation but is confident the existing squad has what it takes to beat the Bears.