WEST Tamworth coach Shane Rampling stressed the importance of playing for the entire 80 minutes this week as the Lions get a free shot against reigning premiers North Tamworth before the pair clash again in next weeks major final.
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The first weekend of finals will perfectly reflect the final round as Gunnedah and Narrabri meet at Collins Park with the winner earning the right to host next weeks minor final, while Norths and Wests will move from Scully this Sunday to Jack Woolaston next week.
Last week the Lions wrapped up second with a win over Gunnedah, although Rampling thought that their last 20 minutes was pretty ordinary.
"We want to really test ourselves against them (Bears)," Rampling said. "In saying that if we play 20 minutes like that it'll be a cricket score. Other than probably Narrabri no-one has really tested them (Bears) for 80 minutes,” Rampling said. "We want to be that side that pushes them."
The Lions will finally get halfback Matt Nean back from a suspension that stretches back to last years grand final between the two clubs. Nean lit the way for the Lions to claim the minor premiership last season and will add plenty of direction to a side that is now flush with dangerous ball players and getting better as the season progresses. The other match will see the Diggers head to the Armidale Rams.
