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The Macleay Valley Mustangs’ goal is to claim the Group Three Rugby League title despite losing their captain and halfback Anthony Cowan to an ankle injury for the finals series.
The Mustangs, who finished in second position on the ladder, host the Port Macquarie Sharks in the major semi-final on Sunday.
The winner will face minor premiers the Port City Breakers the following week for the right to host the grand final.
Cowan was shattered after receiving confirmation he would be out for eight-10 weeks on Thursday morning but he will still attend the finals matches to pass on advice to his teammates.
“We have plenty of experience in the side but there are a few younger boys who will be playing in first grade finals matches for the first time,” Cowan said.
“I will be there to talk to the boys, keep the nerves down and do everything I can to help them.”
The Mustangs have been forced to field an under-stength side throughout the season and Cowan believes his team will continue to dig deep.
“I have full faith in the boys and we have never doubted our abilities,” he said.
“There is a lot of quality players and I know they will step it up.”
Malcolm Webster will return to the Mustangs’ backline after resting his sprained ankle last week.
The five-eighth, who is also battling the flu, will wear the number seven jersey on Sunday and take control of the Mustangs’ attack.
“We will probably try and attack them on the edges,” Webster said.
“We have talented players out wide and I will look to target their halves with our back-rowers Brayden Davis and Viliame Tobesewa.
“Anthony is obviously a huge loss and he has been an instrumental part of our success this year but we aren’t throwing in the towel just because he isn’t there.”
Jeremy Taylor was a standout in the five-eighth position last week and he will take on the playmaking role again on Sunday.
The Sharks were victorious 36-22 in the last meeting between the two sides, however the Mustangs won the round four clash 42-16.
The Mustangs reserve grade side face the Taree City Bulls in an elimination final on Saturday while the U18.5s were minor premiers and have a bye.
