Geurie's Oilsplus Cup unbeaten streak goes on the line this weekend when the under-strength Goats take on the Molong Magpies.
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The Goats completed an unbeaten season and claimed premiership glory last year and haven't tasted defeat in six rounds so far in 2019.
But the ladder-leaders will be tested on Saturday as former NSW Country Cockatoo Filisione Pauta and fellow star Eroni Turaga aren't expected to play against the second-placed Magpies.
Cross-code stars, they're both named to front in the Macquarie Raiders' Group 11 first grade clash against Wellington, which is also on Saturday.
That match will be played just up the road at Wellington's Kennard Park.
Despite Molong going into Saturday's Oilsplus Cup game with injury worries of their own, coach Dean Butler said his Magpies are "up for the challenge".
"There's no doubt Geurie are the benchmark in this competition again this year, but I think Saturday will be a really tough, tightly-contested game and we're looking forward to it," Butler said.
"Even with those injuries we've still got plenty of ability in our side, we've got some exciting guys in the backs like Zac White and Simon Dowling, and guys like (skipper) Josh Peffer will lead from the front in the pack."
Molong props Darcy Garlick and Brendan Sharpe along with second-rower Angus Sharpe and lightning-quick centre Hugh Westcott have all been ruled out of Saturday's round seven encounter.
"We do have a few injuries but our depth was always going to be tested at some point and it's a good challenge for the guys coming into the side and the senior players still there," Butler added.
"They'll all need to step up in a big way and I'm sure they will, I'm sure they'll take the challenge on."
Kick-off is 3.15pm at Geurie Showground.
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Matt Findlay
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
