GREATER Northern Tigers had their first run together as a representative team at Werris Creek’s David Taylor Park last night.
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The Darryl Rando-coached side plays Western in a Tier 2 Country Championship semi final at Singleton’s ResCo Park on Saturday.
It won’t be an easy game.
Rando expects Western to be strong and the hits bruising.
“It’s going to be a tough game,” Rando said.
“It’s going to be very physical. We’ve got to be prepared fo it.
“Hopefully we can win the middle part and give our backline a bit of room.
“Our back row is pretty strong though with players like Ben Hagan and Daniel Ritter. They’ve been around for a while.”
Former Country lock Daniel Ritter captains the side which contains current Country fullback Tim Smith.
Smith has been in glittering form, scoring nine tries in his last two Group 21 games for unbeaten Scone Thoroughbreds.
It’s not only that Greater Northern has a big and fast backline but it is also a good defensive unit too.
“Centres Justin Apthorpe and Luke Gardner are also very good defensive centres,” Rando said.
Rando said the side selected at Tamworth after the recent Greater Northern Regional Championships remained intact after a weekend round of matches in Groups 4, 19 and 21.
“Everyone is fit and healthy as far as I know,” Rando said before last night’s training session.