The Dubbo Rhinos are in the midst of an injury crisis but the club has been buoyed by the news its points deduction has been reversed.
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The club was informed earlier this week the first grade side was docked two points after no third grade team was fielded – a decision the club fought with third grade not a compulsory division to play in.
But Central West Rugby Union chief executive Peter Veenstra confirmed that was a mistake on Thursday morning, contacting Rhinos president Ian Burns to state the points will be reinstated.
“As I was hoping it was just a mistake and it’s been corrected so it’s a relief,” Burns said in the build-up to this Saturday’s clash with Cowra.
“It’s a relief for the first grade boys who have been busting their guts and a relief to see common sense has prevailed.”
The news was welcomed by the side as it deals with an ever-growing absentee list.
Regular captain Brett Austin is yet to play a match in 2017 after suffering a knee injury in pre-season while Jordan Davis and James Vaughan were injured at City last week. The latter’s injury was particularly serious, Vaughan will have surgery next week to have plates inserted in his face after suffering multiple fractures.
Add that to long-term injuries to Kini Talaulucavu and Sione Hafuka plus the news Harris Solomon has returned home to New Zealand and the Rhinos suddenly look weaker than the side which has started the season with two wins from four rounds.
Collin Hokianga is also unavailable for this weekend’s meeting with the Eagles at Caltex Park but Burns said his side has to deal with it.
“Everyone is well aware there is a bit of a difference between the top four or five sides and the bottom four or five sides so when you’re playing someone else in that bottom five you need to win these games, especially at home,” he said, before speaking about the casualty list.
“We’re starting to get the numbers up and to be competitive in first grade you need a good second grade side and we’re starting to see that.
“We’ve lost a few but some are closing in on returns and we’re looking at a few others.”
Kick-off is 3.15pm on Saturday at Caltex Park.