PIRATES welcome back Scottish centre Peter Manning for today’s cross-town derby clash with the Magpies at Tamworth Rugby Park.
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Manning has not played for the Buccaneers this season, but was a big boost to Pirate spirits at training during the week.
“It was good to see him running around so freely,” Pirate coach Gary McSweeney said on Thursday night.
“He hasn’t played since a pre-season trial game. And it (Thursday night) was the best training run we’ve had.”
Meanwhile Pirates will be without NSW Country star Warwick Crosby for the rest of the season.
Crosby confirmed on Thursday that he is now playing for Newcastle University in the Newcastle competition, making the Buccaneers’ chances of beating Tamworth today and earning a 20001 CNRU finals berth bleak.
Pirates will be without tireless forwards Garth Cowley (glandular fever) and Gary Littlejohns (injury) while Dave Banovich and Crosby will line up against Darwin in today’s Australian Rugby Shield clash in the Northern Territory.
Coach McSweeney said consistency for the full 80 minutes would be the key against Tamworth.
“We’ve just got to go for the whole game. Against Gunnedah our pick and drive was outstanding, but only in patches,” he said.
McSweeney has faith his players can also make the necessary busts in the defensive line.
“We need to start breaking the defensive line more often and we’ve got players such as Chris Sartori and Tim Poole who can do that. I expect a tough game against Tamworth. They’ll be keen to get on top of us, but we’ll be equally determined to deny them that opportunity.”
Tamworth has the opportunity to end Pirates’ finals chances with a win at home today.
The Magpies are currently in fourth spot on the CNRU ladder on 28 points with the Buccaneers languishing in second last on 14.
In the final game of the 2000 season against Pirates, Tamworth conceded over 100 points and Magpie club president Vince Symons said exacting revenge for that loss wasn’t a big issue in the Magpie camp.
“Not really,” Symons said.
“We were happy with the way the boys tried on that occasion. At the same time we’d like to readdress that (loss) with a win. We’re expecting a tough game especially in the forwards.”
The Magpie front row has been outstanding in recent weeks.
Peter Wiseman, Peter Mead and Ben Latimer all received high praise from Symons.
“Ben Latimer is really a back-rower playing prop. He’s very mobile,” Symons said.
“And Peter Wiseman (prop) has taken the bit between his teeth and is using his size to advantage.”
Meanwhile hooker Peter Mead has been amongst the best and fairest points most weeks. On top of his outstanding on-field performances, Mead keeps the club morale on a high.
“He’s a great club man. He battled right through for us last season,” Symons said.
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