GARY Jones is shooting for a third successive AAMI Under 16 Country Championship win when his Greater Northern Tigers run out onto Scully Park to play Western Rams at around 12.15pm tomorrow
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He’s in his fourth term in charge of the divisional 16s and delighted to have won two previous Country Under 16 titles at Tamworth (2014) and Mudgee (2015).
His message will be simple – start well.
“Everyone seems to be fit and healthy,” he said on Thursday.
“I haven’t had any telephone calls yet, so that’s good.”
The Tiger 16s play a bigger Western Rams today, Jones said, and won’t have the luxury of starting slowly as they did in last Saturday’s semi- final win over Bidgee Bulls.
Skipper Max Altus inspired the side to a 28-24 win there with a sparkling final 20 minutes and crossed for a deserving, winning try in the final minute.
“We won’t be able to start like that though,” Jones repeated.
“In big games you can’t afford to give away a start.
“The two we’ve won we’ve started well, led and hung on.”
It’s a simple game plan built on team spirit.
“Across the board they (Western) would have a bit of size on us,” he said.
“They have a good second- rower and two smart centres so we’ll have to be on our game.”
Altus, whether at lock or hooker, will be a key in and around the rucks.
“Koen Rieri and Maxie Greacen too, they can create a bit of havoc,” Jones said.
“Our two halves as well, Bailey (Ellis) and Lachlan (Fry). They’ve got to play well and steer us around.
“But I’m quietly confident. I’d love to make it three in a row.
“And doing it on our home ground again would make it a bit more special for the boys and their parents too.”
It is a big day for Western, with its Under 18s also playing an AAMI Country Championship Final against Bidgee Bulls from 1.40pm before the City-Country Origin clash kicks off at 4pm.
