While the Under 18s are assured of a semi-final spot after two good wins it “would take something catastrophic” for the Gary Jones-coached Tiger 16s to miss out.

At this stage the Tiger 16s are on top of the Northern table after wins over Central Coast and East Coast but if they lose to Newcastle, and East Coast beat Central Coast, then a three-way tie will have for and against used to determine the two Northern semi-finalists.

“East Coast should beat Central Coast and Newcastle has to win and win well against us,” Jones said.

“Unless something catastrophic happens we will be there but we have to play well.

“I watched the tape of Newcastle from last week and they do have plenty of scoring ability –they’ll be tough to beat.

“It’s going to be a good test of our defence, a real good test.

“We’ve had a pretty good draw so far too. 

“We’ve played two games at home (Armidale and Scone) and now have to travel to Cessnock.”

Jones is resting Warialda’s Zach Parker, the young Farrer backrower suffering from a shoulder complaint.

“Zach’s going to sit this one out. His shoulder is okay but we don’t want to risk it and keep him fresh for the semis,” Jones said.

“Max Greacen will come back in for Zach. He’s a pretty handy replacement.”

Tyler Campbell will also “get a run” tomorrow which means Jones will have a little reshuffle to find an 18th man.

The Tiger 18s are through to the semi-final regardless of tomorrow’s Newcastle clash and, after a worrying few weeks with injuries ,they appear to have stabilised.

“We came through pretty well unscathed,” coach Peter Stevens said of the 52-12 win over Central Coast Centurions at Scone Park last Saturday.

“Hopefully we will get a few back too.

“Hayden Loughrey could be back but we won’t risk it if he’s not right.”

Loughrey is 50-50, Stevens said.

“He will train atScone on Friday night,” he said.

“If he’s not 100 per cent we won’t risk him.”