The Greater Northern Tigers' under-18 side kept themselves in the hunt for a finals berth by upsetting the Knights at Scone Park on Saturday.
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This Saturday they can continue their Laurie Daley Cup safari by bagging another NRL scalp when they aim up against Parramatta at Singleton’s Pirtek Park in a third-round Country Championship clash.
After a first-round loss to Central Coast it wasn’t looking overly promising for the Tigers.
An injury to exciting fullback Trent Taylor and a suspension, for a shoulder charge, to centre Jhett Butler added to the disappointment.
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However the Tigers fought back last Saturday, grafting out an 18-16 win over the Newcastle Knights.
Tamworth’s Blair Maloney came into the side at fullback and had a strong game while Cooper Harris moved from the edge back-row to centre and also played strongly in a side that started well, leading 12-nil and then hanging on for a vital two point win.
“It keeps us in the hunt,” coach Peter Stevens said. “A bit of an upset too - we haven’t beaten the Knights many times. Parramatta is now a real important game for us.
“They [the Tigers] showed they have the attitude, and the effort against the Knights was outstanding.”
While they tackle the Eels juniors from 1.20pm on Saturday, the Tiger 16s chase a third successive win, against the Eels, in their Andrew Johns Cup Country Championship third-round match from 12 noon.
They have impressed with good wins over the Central Coast Roosters and the Knights.
Saturday’s 40-10 victory against the Knights was a step up from the first round win against the Roosters, said Tigers coach Steve Haylen.
“Parramatta will be tough,” Haylen said. “We’re playing big-boy football now and it’s going to be interesting to see how we react when we are under the pump.”
He was speaking after his side took control against the Knights from the start with an almost error-free performance at Scone.
“They are playing the hard and gritty football I’ve asked from them,” he said.
At the same time, they have match-winners such as Inverell centre Campbell Watchirs, 15, who crossed for three tries against the Knights and won the side’s players' player award.
"It was really good. It was great to see the team working so well together," Watchirs said.
It's been a big step up for Watchirs but is benefiting from the extra challenge.
"It's definitely a bit of a step up from what you get around Inverell," he said.
"The people around here are nowhere as near big as the people you verse there.
"You're really versing the people that are the best in country regions."
Watchirs is hoping he can continue his strong form and put himself in the running to represent Country NSW.
"You never really know how they're going to pick the side, but I'd be hoping so."
There are three rounds remaining in the Andrew Johns Cup before finals begin.
