Usually a grand final rematch, particularly one that comes after a decider as tense and exciting as the one served up by RSL-Colts and Souths earlier this year, would have rockstar billing.
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But with both sides decimated due to representative and other commitments, the sides that take to the field for their round one RSL-Whitney Cup clash on Saturday will be shadows of the groups involved on the final day of the 2016/17 season.
Souths will miss Mitch Bower and Will Lindsay to rep duty, and Henry Railz to injury, while off-spinner Joe Coles and all-rounder Mat Finlay are also unavailable.
Colts will have Marty Jeffrey and Tom Atlee involved in rep, as well as new import Darrel Williams, while Greg Buckley is out of the country, Tim Cox is retired and Jason Ryan will miss due to work.
“It’s a bit unusual, isn’t it?” Bower said.
“We don’t normally have rep so early, and on a Saturday, but it is what it is unfortunately.
With so much experience gone from their side, all-rounder Adam Wells is expected to lead Souths.