Boggabri Kangaroos will have to be at their ‘very best’ if they are to upset unbeaten competition leaders Moree Boars in their Round 8 Whitehaven Coal Group 4 first grade clash at Jubilee Oval, Boggabri on Sunday.
The Roos are at home to the form side in the competition and will have to produce one of their best defensive efforts to defeat the Boars.
“We will have to be at our very best,” said Boggabri coach Shane Rampling.
“They are a very good footy side. No one has got close to them yet.”
Rampling said the Roos have had two weeks to prepare for the match and “will have a big home crowd” that he hopes he can “cheer us on.
“We’ve got to play smart footy and match their physicality,” Rampling added.
The Roos will have to do it without one of their most physical forwards in Josefa Biu.
“We’re resting him…. going to miss his size. It’s going to be a very physical game in the forwards. Going to be a good battle in the middle. The boys are keen.”
Moree go into the game missing brilliant fullback Adrian Smith, who suffered an ankle injury early in last week’s 52-20 win over Werris Creek.
Cameron Rodgers is also out as is captain-coach Michael Watton, who is away with work.
Steve McIntosh comes into the Boars lineup at halfback for Watton.
The former Warialda Wombat and Inverell Hawk has been impressing in second grade since joining the Boars this season, Mick Watton said.
“He’s been consistent, only played the six or seven games but been a great addition to our club. Provided us with great depth.”
With Adrian Smith injured Lachlan McGrady starts at number one. His versatility makes McGrady such a valuable player and just another dangerous attacking weapon.
The Boars have scored almost a hundred more points than the second highest attacking side with the addition of Mark Pegus and Jack Durheim to their Grand Final side of last year just two of the major improvements the Boars have made.
That they have three or four players in the top 10 try-scoring table is testimony to their brilliant attacking play.
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