GLEN Innes Magpies face a simple equation at Moree tomorrow.
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The Sam Key-coached Magpies must beat Moree Boars to run second in the Group 19 premiership and have the double chance entering the finals playoffs.
If they do win, they return to Moree the following weekend to play the minor premier Moree Boomerangs at Burt Jovanovic Oval in a major semi.
However, if they lose, that would hand second to the Inverell Hawks and could also drop the Magpies as far as fourth if the Armidale Rams, who play Uralla Tigers at Armidale’s Rugby League Park tomorrow, can deliver a big win.
As it stands, The Magpies have a better for and against than the Rams.
The Magpies have scored 528 and had 363 scored against them, a points differential of +165.
Armidale has scored 553 points and had 458 scored against them, a points differential of +95.
While the Moree Boars might have lost their way the last month, a win by them at home to end their season is not a far-fetched scenario while the Rams could rampage against a Uralla Tiger side trying desperately to unload the wooden spoon to Ashford Roosters.
The Roosters are out at Tingha where the Tigers caused the Magpies such heartache last weekend.
And the Carl Press-coached Tigers would like nothing better than to spoil the Rams’ plans in their local derby at Armidale.
It all adds up to an intriguing final “catch-up” round before Group 19 plays minor and major semi finals in all four grades next weekend.