Last season the Roosters were unbeaten running into the finals and, following a major semi victory over Barraba, were then beaten by Dungowan in the grand final.

This season Dungowan has again been the only side to beat them, although that was in round one and, after the Cowboys exited last week against Boggabri, Kootingal captain-coach Nathan Hamlin said that  pressure was off.

“We have been beaten this year and have had a few bad games so don’t have that expectation on us this season,” Hamlin said.

“Every side feels some pressure in semi-final footy.” 

Usually captain and coach, Hamlin will only be coaching for the remainder of the year after a cheek injury and several second opinions ruled him out, with lock Andrew Moodie taking the armband over the last few games and Amos Iosa covering that left edge on the field.

“The team is so tight and positive this season and that reflects on and off the field,” Hamlin said.

“I can’t remember being in a team that has been as positive and harmonious as we have been over the past few weeks.

“We had last weekend off to get over a few niggles but have been raring to go since.” 

Prop Dan Greenwood’s return from injury will boost a pack that loses nothing in the front row rotation that the Roosters base their game on.

Grayson Bradbury and Tim Milson will start and have formed a formidable combination, with Greenwood and Shaun Stevenson on the bench, as well as Tom Michelle returning from suspension this week.

“The hardest thing this week was to cut the squad from 26 down to 19,” Hamlin said.

“It is a good problem to have but  doesn’t make it any easier.” 

The Roosters will need that front row to shut down the Magpies’ similarly charged pack, with Thomas Brown leading the way for the visitors.

“They play a powerhouse game in the middle and have (Cody) Tickle and Fuzz (Stu Porter) on the edges getting the ball whenever they want it,” Hamlin said.

“If we match them there on our fringes we will do all right.” 

Both sides are spoiled for playmakers on the edge, although the Roosters might have more weapons in their arsenal with Moodie at lock, Matt McCulloch and Josh Crittenden at the ruck and Jordan Sharpe and Ben Williams in the halves.

“Hopefully we get some good weather and a good crowd,” Hamlin said.

“The girls are in as well so it could be a great weekend for the club.” 

The Roosters girls only won a handful of games last season but have turned it around under Mandy Sullivan to beat minor premiers Uralla in the final round, and set up a rematch in the major semi-final today at 1pm.