The Tumut v Albury game is hard to tip, with Tumut back to full strength compared to the last time they played. Morgan may even be tempted to play Joe Renyolds at inside centre to provide some much need go forward and also experience.
In the other game Leeton will be prepared for the Aggies now which should make for a cracker. The phantoms must contain the Ag College forwards especially young Woods who at 20 years old must be the most damaging tighthead in the comp. Possible Bill Castle Medal?
On a side note well done to the Ag College on the way they honoured their mate last Saturday, it was a great show of their tight knit culture with their support of one another. I reckon it was also one it was one of the biggest crowds at Beres in a long time.
I don't know if Tumut have got the X factor in them to trouble Albury on Saturday - Yes they won their last 2 matches against Griffith & City but I reckon that will give them a false sense of security.
Albury have Manion back playing and he is worth at least 10-15 points to them - The Steamers have a set of Forwards that work very hard and with the likes of Maninio, Devlin, Le Cornu and Allen in their backline they will have too many attacking options for Tumut to combat
It's good to see the Tumut fullback back playing again but he can't do it all be himself and he will find himself pretty heavily marked on Saturday by the Steamers who are my selection to make the GF this year against Waratahs.
The Leeton v Aggies Final should be an interesting affair. It was great to hear that Aggies did so well against the Phantoms last Saturday in what must have been a Special day for those that attended.
I really don't think Leeton treated last Saturday's final Competition match that seriously - they couldn't improve on their final position on the Ladder and the word is that several of their star players didn't turn up at the Uni because they were either resting an injury or were at work
It will be a different Leeton this Saturday and although Ag College will again have plenty of sentimental support I reckon a few of their players may suffer a bit of a Let Down on Saturday after such a big occasion last Weekend.
Leeton apparently still fancy themselves big time to knock off Waratahs this season and they will be desperate to get another crack at the undefeated Minor Premiers on Saturday Week - The Phantoms have stretched Waratahs in both their matches this year, Albury stretched Waratahs once this year in their 2nd Round clash at Albury but unfortunately for both Tumut & Ag College judging by their scores against Waratahs this year they don't have the Game or the Personnel to put a dent in the 'Tahs armour
Your mention of the Bill Castle Medal and the naming of Ag College's Woods as a chance to be in the running prompted me to think who should be in the running this year
I would be surprised if anyone from Griffith, CSU or City took out the Medal after their performances this year
Waratahs may have the problem of all the Points being shared amongst their Star players although I reckon their Fullback (Hart) might be a chance despite missing a few games to injury.
Albury's best have been Le Cornu, Devlin & Allen and Tumut's best have been Glamuzina and Menzies
Noa Rabici (Leeton) was injured in a Rep game earlier this year and hasn't played since and Joe Ratu only turned up in the last 5 Rounds
If Woods isn't in the Frame for Aggies I reckon 5/8 Cam Duffy might be a chance to win the Medal on his own this year after sharing the Award with Noa Rabici last year and their breakawy Van Diggelen has had a pretty good year as well
Hopefully its a great day for everyone on Saturday at Conolly