INJURIES have forced wholesale changes for the Group 4 Second Division representative side ahead of Saturday’s Country Championships semi-final against Newcastle at Tamworth’s Scully Park.
Weekend matches were not kind to G4 with Sean Nean, Tony Murray, Damien Pittman and Jace Wallington all added to an injury list that already included Mick Northey.
Former Northern Division prop Mick Considine and Bendemeer duo Deon Fisher and Shane Rule have been added to the squad while Josh Stewart and Daniel Furner are ready in case of any more drop-outs.
Despite the injuries, there are still a number of players who were unlucky to miss out, assistant coach Mick Schmiedel said.
“Daniel Furner was sensational at Gilgandra but because he is a slightly built kid we were concerned that against a physical Newcastle side he’d get bullied,” Schmiedel said.
“But if anyone pulls out he’s definitely in there.
“Pat Lawler is another one and Jamie Thompson from Bendy could have been there too.
“Dan Burrows had a big game (on Saturday) and he is a bit unlucky as was Ashley Swan.
“He’s a great player but who do you drop?
“We’ve stuck with the guys that went well at Gilgandra.”
G4 won both games at Gilgandra to qualify for the semis.
Newcastle will be formidable but if G4 can get through to Sunday’s final at Jack Woolaston Oval it will be a great chance of taking the CRL’s second division title and earn a spot in the Centenary Trophy last four.
“I think the boys would rather play Newcastle,” Schmiedel said.
“Because they’ll know that if they do beat them they’ll have earned their place in the final.
“Newcastle are the best team in the country, just as they are in first division.”
The first semi is at 10am between Castle-reigh Cup and Hastings League with the G4 semi to follow.
GROUP 4 SECOND DIVISION: 1 Shane Rule (Bendemeer), 2 Shane Kilby (Ben), 3 Dean Hoy (Dungowan), 4 Paul Ford (Kootingal), 5 Craig McAdam (Manilla), 6 Robbie Bergan (M), 7 Stewart Porter (capt – Werris Creek), 8 Mick Considine (K), 9 Deon Fisher (Ben), 10 Paul Tongue (D), 11 Geoff Goodridge (K), 12 Tim Mallise (Barraba), 13 Mitch Dare (WC), 14 Jamie Walden (Ben), 15 Jayse Starr (Bar), 16 Steve Mamae (D), 17 Brian Darcy (WC), 18 Josh Stewart (D), 19 Daniel Furner (WC). Coach – Chris Darlington.