THE best rugby league players Group 2 has to offer will go head to head with the best of Group 3 in what will be a colossal clash on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Slated for Jack Neal Oval in Taree, the Steve Carter-coached Group 2 side features two Nambucca Roosters and three Macksville Sea Eagles players among a swag of Sawtell Panthers, Coffs Harbour Comets, South Grafton Rebels and Grafton Ghosts players.
Roosters Matt Field and Zack Johnson, and Sea Eagles Aaron Wood, Sam Miles and Daine Laurie will pull on the representative strip on Saturday.
For some of these players, it will be their first time representing the Group.
Matt Field said the Group clash was a good opportunity for the Valley’s best footballers to take the field with such a high calibre of players.
“Normally we’d be playing against most of these boys,” Matt told the Guardian. “It’ll be good to be running on the field with them.”
Matt also said having five players selected in the side was great for football in the area.
“It’s known that the representative side is usually dominated by the northern clubs,” he said.
“In the past both the Roosters and Sea Eagles have had strong numbers playing, and this year is no different.
“It just shows that the calibre of players we have in Nambucca and Macksville is up with the best in the Group.
“Although there were only five of us selected, there were many players who were just short of making the team.”
Sam Miles said at this level there were no easy games, but he was prepared for the game ahead.
“I’m looking forward to this weekend’s game playing with old Woodsy,” he said.
“And running on with a different group of blokes is always good.
“I’ve been selected before but our side hasn’t done too well, so hopefully a win is on the cards.”
The side has had two training sessions leading up to the match, with the second, and last one, held last night.
From Saturday’s match and its follow up fixtures, individuals will be hoping their form warrants selection in the North Coast side.
Group 2 coach Steve Carter is new to rugby league on the north coast, but said he was looking forward to his role and the competition.
“From what I understand Group 3 have dominated for quite a few years,” Steve told the Guardian.
“It’s been a short and tough preparation for us with only two training sessions ... and unfortunately a number of players we picked for the squad are facing suspension and injuries etc.
“That is certainly going to detract from the side, but we have a lot of talent still there. It presents an opportunity for some of the younger players to make their mark.
“My main goal is to get some representation in that North Coast side, and the only way for the players to get that is to perform well.
“But despite all that, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Steve is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.
A NSW State of Origin representative five-eighth and captain of the Penrith Panthers who he led to the premiership title in 1991, Steve holds the standing Panthers club record of 242 first grade appearances.
Group 3 coach Phil Trembath said while he was happy with his choices, he knew knocking off the Group 2 side will be a big task.
“All of the guys we picked (for Group 3) have earned their spots,” he said.
“But I’ve coached against a couple of the players we will go up against in Group 2.
“Everyone will be out to impress.”