Five out for MCUE against CAK
In a big blow to MCUE’s chances of toppling CAK, the Goannas will be missing brothers Jack, Harry and Matt Collins (pictured) along with star midfielder Stace Creasy and dynamic wingman Isaac Dame.
The Collins brothers will miss the clash due to unavailability while Creasy will be sidelined for the second successive week after injuring his hamstring in MCUE’s win over Narrandera a fortnight ago.
Damme starred for Mater Dei Catholic College with eight goals in its Carroll Cup triumph over Kooringal High School last night but the talented teenager suffered an injured hip flexor during the game and has been ruled out of playing for MCUE against CAK.
MCUE will train this evening before finalising its team for Saturday but coach Nathon Irvin will be relying heavily on the depth of the club to help the Goannas against CAK.
CAK, on the other hand, is expected to name a full-strength team to take on MCUE with star recruits Fred Sleeth and Matt Beckmans expected to play for the Demons after the club enjoyed the bye last weekend.
Fullback Geoff Spriggs will also play his first game against his former club when he lines up for CAK against MCUE on Saturday.
Spriggs had a decorated career with MCUE and played 170 games with the club and took out the best-and-fairest award for the Goannas in 2011.
Spriggs made the decision to leave MCUE at the end of last season and he signed on as assistant-coach of CAK.
MCUE will head into the game on the back of a four-point loss to Wagga Tigers while CAK demolished Griffith a fortnight ago before having the bye last week.
The two teams are locked on three wins apiece and the winner has the opportunity to move into outright third position on the ladder depending on other results.
In another intriguing duel on Saturday, Wagga Tigers will play host to reigning premier Narrandera at Robertson Oval.
Tigers downed MCUE in a thriller last week and share equal third spot on the ladder with the Goannas and CAK while Narrandera returned to form with an upset 36-point win over previously undefeated Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong.
A victory to Wagga Tigers would see the club consolidate its position in the top-five heading into the general bye while Narrandera could jump up several places on the ladder with a win.
RFL – round 8
Saturday
Coolamon v Leeton-Whitton at Kindra Park
MCUE v CAK at Mangoplah Sportsground
Wagga Tigers v Narrandera at Robertson Oval
Sunday
GGGM v Griffith at Ganmain Sportsground
Turvey Park bye
