MOREE Boars pivot Brenton Cochrane is hopeful his frustrating foot injury may have improved enough to ensure he can play a major role in any success for his side as the semi-finals quickly approach.
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The brilliant attacking player suffered the foot injury in a thrilling win over Gunnedah at Gunnedah in round six.
The June 6 last-minute 30-27 win was a huge boost for the Boars but the start of Cochrane's woes.
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He had carved Gunnedah's defences apart during the game but finished the last 10 minutes or so on the sideline after being carried off with a foot injury.
He has struggled to overcome the injury in recent weeks and has played bits and pieces of games.
Cochrane did play against North Tamworth but was frustrated by his inability be at full pace against the Bears in last Sunday's 29-28 loss at Boughton Oval.
The Bears steamrolled the Boars early, leading 18-0, and Cochrane said Moree "did well to get back into the game".
"Down 18- 0, we let the emotion get to us," he said of the huge memorial day honouring the memory of club legend Paul "Poey" Raveneau.
He's hoping the Boars can start better when they host Gunnedah at Boughton Oval on Saturday.
The Bulldogs have named a strong side with a few changes.
"We can't make the semis," Bulldogs coach Mick Schmiedel said.
He added: "We've moved Reece (Jaeger) to lock. We had talked about it for a little while but haven't had the opportunity.
"We've also moved Nick White to five-eighth. He's found a bit of form and deserves a crack.
"I was tempted to play him at hooker and move Dylan Smith to half."
Elsewhere, Narrabri travel to a surging Dungowan to tackle a surging Cowboys.
On Sunday, Boggabri host Kootingal-Moonbi while the Bears host Werris Creek.
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