Based on what he’s seen of the two sides clashing in this weekend’s Blowes Clothing Cup qualifying semi-final, Orange Emus skipper Nigel Staniforth is tipping a Forbes Platypi victory.
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That’s not to say he’s ruled out a Dubbo Kangaroos upset, not by a long shot.
Although he didn’t want to get too caught up in the discussion, Staniforth said there is every possibility the Kangaroos could come up trumps but Forbes’ recent performance and home-ground advantage is pretty hard for him to ignore.
Either way, he says his side’s not fussed on whether it faces the Platypi or Roos in next week’s major semi-final at Endeavour Oval.
“There’s certainly no preference for us, we’re more focused on getting ourselves fit and ready for that game in a much-needed week off,” Staniforth said, referring to the handful of injured players who will return for the grand final qualifier.
“But in terms of a prediction, I think it’ll probably be Forbes. They’re one each from the games they’ve played this season, but being at Forbes is a pretty big advantage.
“Forbes are a side that knows their game and executes it very, very well and I think after [last year’s major semi-final and grand final losses to Emus] they’ll really want another crack at us at Endeavour.
“Dubbo is a good side too, but it’s tough going in Forbes.”
Dubbo coach Dean Matthews knows as much too, the Platypi have won all but one game at Grinsted Oval this season. That was to Emus, and it took a Staniforth penalty goal after full-time to hand Forbes the defeat.
“And they get a good backing from their crowd, it’s vocal there but we’ve got our colts going over too and it’s finals time so hopefully we can get a few there as well,” Matthews said.
Matthews said his side will look to its potent, point-scoring backline in Saturday’s massive clash, there’s no denying Roos’ pace and power out wide.
Fullback Luke Ryan, wingers Viliame Turuva and Hamish Gordon and the centre pairing of Billy Sing and Sione Lolohea has proved a handful for nearly every opposition this season.
The winner of Saturday’s fixture advances to the major semi-final while the loser faces a sudden death match against either Bathurst Bulldogs or Orange City.
Kick-off is at 3.15pm.