FORMER Country lock Daniel Ritter believes his Group 21 side will be tough to toss when it tackles Groups 4 and 19 in tomorrow’s Greater Northern Championships.
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At stake are berths in the GN side to play in the Tier 2 Country Championships and maybe even a Country spot as well.
Ritter has played Country and his Scone teammate, Tim Smith, toured South Africa with the NSW Country side last year as well.
That Smith, who scored five electrifying tries last week against Muswellbrook, had a great time in South Africa is an understatement, Ritter said.
“He did have a great time but I hope he can also make the Country side again.”
The first step is at Tamworth’s Scully Park where the Group 21 senior side plays Group 19 at around 11am tomorrow.
“We’ve got a good side,” Ritter said.
“The majority of players are from Scone and Greta-Branxton.
“It’s always good fun to play in these rep games. The standard of football is higher – it’s always a good challenge.
“And having most of the boys from the two clubs is going to help us.”
His only concern is a leg injury sustained by new Thoroughbred backrower Wes Suckley.
“He picked up a hamstring injury against Muswellbrook,” he said of a backrower who has been a great addition to the Thoroughbred pack in 2014.
“We’ll play it by ear.”
That Greta-Branxton have five representatives too is a delight for their coach Ron Griffiths.
“We’ve got the spine – halfback Joey (Griffiths), five-eighth Joby (Patten) and hooker Daniel (Bates),” he said.
“They have a wealth of experience and well deserve their spots.”
After playing Group 19 at 11am, Group 21 then plays Group 4 at 3.10pm.
The final senior game is at 5.50pm, with Group 19 and 4 matching up in the final game of the GNC.
“We expect Group 4 and 19 to be a little stronger this year too,” Ritter said.
“But it’s going to be a good day – definitely tough though, playing two games.”