The Nyngan Tigers may have the power up front but Dubbo Macquarie coach Steve McLellan feels he has the halves combination to guide his side through Sunday’s Group 11 major semi-final at Larkin Oval.
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After finishing second on the ladder, the Raiders travel to Nyngan on Sunday with the winner advancing to a match-up with minor premiers CYMS in the preliminary final.
While McLellan’s side finished ahead of the Tigers on the ladder, the Nyngan side has been tipped by many to not only win on Sunday but also to pose the biggest threat to CYMS’ premiership credentials.
But the Raiders coach feels his side is well in the hunt, especially with the halves combination of Josh Merritt and Etuate Gusuivalu capable of working some magic.
“The reality is Macquarie and Nyngan are in a position to beat CYMS,” he said.
The reality is Macquarie and Nyngan are in a position to beat CYMS.
- Steve McLellan
“From the last time we played Nyngan I thought it proved we were tough enough because that was our most physical game of the season, in my opinion.
“But what we need to do is play a bit smarter and I think we got a bit caught up in the forward battle and while they’re going to have to do a job (on Sunday) I think our strength is Josh and Eddie (Gusuivalu). When we play around them we look good.”
The Raiders have made one change to the side which defeated Narromine in last week’s final round, with Damien Wells returning to the team while Luke Gale drops off the bench after a solid first grade debut.
Wells slots back in at fullback, a position which had been filled with real success by Mason Williams in recent weeks.
“I spoke to Mason and I thought his last three weeks at fullback have been great but for the team’s sake I think the balance is better with his speed on the wing,” McLellan said.
“Damien needs to be in there somewhere and I think his best football has been at fullback."
Sunday’s lineup is arguably the best McLellan has had at his disposal all season, with a host of injuries disrupting the side’s progress during the early stages of the year.
“I spoke to first grade and the reserves at training and congratulated reserves more than anything because their effort has helped firsts get to where they are,” the coach said.
“That’s through the depth and they’re playing well and it’s been a good year up to now but from here it’s a whole new competition and that’s how we’re approaching it.”
The action on Sunday begins with the League Tag at 10.30am while first grade is scheduled to kick off at 2pm.