Boggabri ‘confident’ heading into Group 4 final round

RUGBY LEAGUE:

By Geoff Newling, G4 Media

BOGGABRI Kangaroos might have lost to Moree at Jubilee Oval last Sunday but that might have created a bigger headache for Dungowan when the Cowboys come calling on Saturday in the Round 18 Whitehaven Coal Group 4 first grade fixture.

The Roos lost 38-32 to Moree in that encounter but played with 12 men for 51 minutes of the game after centre Pita Rogasau was sent off for a high tackle.

To lose by just a converted try was a good pointer to the talent and resolve of the Roos as well as helping keep their for and against in check.

WHITEHAVEN COAL GROUP 4 FIRST GRADE TABLE: Moree 32 (752-292), Werris Creek 26 (556-314), Kootingal 25 (510-318), Boggabri 23 (556-347), North Tamworth 23 (542-345), Gunnedah 17 (406-394), Dungowan 14 (365-440), Narrabri 6 (234-780), Wee Waa 5 (30-800).

That pleased coach Shane Rampling no end and he was ever so proud of his side for that display.

“We’re pretty confident,” he said this week of their final round game against a Dungowan side that cannot make the semi-final playoffs.

“We’ve taken a lot of confidence out of that game (Moree).”

He has named another strong side despite the absence of Stino Penisoni, Aaron Hobden, Jack Gillham, Cameron Kerr and Malaki Kovekalou.

“We’ll have to play to our strengths,” Rampling added.

“Dungowan have some good players too and they will come here with nothing to lose. They will throw the ball around and have some fun. We’ve just got to focus on our game plan and stick to our strengths. Just got to win.”

He is looking forward to the game which is also Boggabri’s Multicultural Day.

“We’ve got plenty to play for. It is exciting. I hope the boys will embrace it and do the job.”

BOGGABRI: 1 Ash White, 2 Josefa Goneduadua, 3 Pita Rogasau, 4 Rob Doolan, 5 Tommy Bruce, 6 Isaiah Adams, 7 Andrew Wallace, 8 Nick Millar, 9 Matt Gillham, 10 Jake Byrne, 11 Epeli Vulaserau, 12 Iliasa Kalokalodrau, 13 Jack Hayes, 14 Jayde Campbell, 15 Josefa Biu, 16 Lepani Banuve, 17 Rhyce Kliendienst. Coach – Shane Rampling.