Coach Nigel Henley said he was quietly confident the Inverell side would be able to secure a win.

“Our last home game was against the Pirates and we came from 24 points down to beat them 27-24.

“They didn’t score any points in the second half of the game,” he said.

In the first clash of the season, the Highlanders went down to the Pirates by a close five points feeling the strain of two disallowed tries.

Currently sitting in third place on the Central North Rugby Union second grade ladder, the Highlanders are determined to win.

Henley said second and third place were split by two for and against competition points with Narrabri in second and Moree on top.

“I think as long as we get a good start, we should get the win at Walcha.

“Our forwards are our attacking weapon,” he said.

With rain and cool conditions predicted for Saturday, the weather will play a big part in the game. 

However, Henley was confident, rain or shine, his forwards were strong and well organised adding that it may even “play in our favour”.

Henley praised his second grade side for their dedication to training throughout the season, along with a few key leaders in the team who’ve helped keep the side together.

“It’ll be an interesting game.

“Everyone is welcome to come along and show their support on the weekend,” he said.

Henley thanked his fellow coaches, along with the club’s committee, first grade side and sponsors who’ve helped to make the 2018 season one to remember.

Meanwhile, the Inverell Highlanders women’s sevens side are sitting second on the ladder just below the Tamworth Pirates.

In round 17 the girls dominated against Tamworth in both games, absolutely rolling them 20-0 in the first game and 22-7 in the second.

The local women’s sevens side will rest up this weekend focusing on game strategy until next weekend when they travel to Chillingworth Oval in Tamworth to once again face the Pirates for the semi-finals.