Tamworth captain Rory Marshman said they are going to have to really step up their game if they are to have a chance of turning the tables on minor premiers the Harbour Knights and claiming the second grade silverware.
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The Magpies were completely outplayed by the Knights in the major semi-final two weeks ago with the Coffs Harbour side securing the first spot in the grand final 45-14.
The Knights also got the better of them fairly convincingly when they met during the regular season.
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"We'll have to lift again to compete against them," Marshman said following their 36-22 win over Walcha last Saturday to secure their spot in the grand final.
"They're a really strong side, with two clubs coming together they've got a lot of depth and they've got some really good players in that second grade side, they're probably almost able to compete in the first grade comp."
"We're going to have to be really strong and really disciplined and we won't be able to make any errors if we want to be able to compete in that game."
They will welcome back three key backs. Kabati Matanakilagi and Connor Robinson were unavailable against the Rams after being called up to first grade while James Marshman missed the preliminary final through injury.
Matanakilagi has been named to start at inside centre and Marshman on the wing, while Robinson is set to come off the bench.
TEAMS:
Harbour Knights: 1 James Bellamy, 2 Mark Simmons, 3 Christopher Wiggins (C), 4 Trent Withers, 5,Andrew Mallam, 6 Leroy Devine, 7,Zaine Ryman, 8 Dane Cross, 9 Blake Southam, 10 Mackenzie Davidson, 11 Waqa Yaya, 12 Sam Cooper, 13 Lachlan Smith, 14 Michael Emile, 15 Jack Collins, 16 Matthew Joyce, 17 Jack Cummins, 18 Benjamin Andrews, 19 Jack Canning, 20 Darcy Collins, 21 Josh Miller, 22 Alex O'Donnell. Coaches - Rob Waddy & Rob Kealy
Tamworth: 1 Aaron O'Keefe, 2 Lachlan Ennis, 3 Rory Marshman (C), 4 Nathaniel Ellerton, 5 Lachlan Oates, 6 Tom Guihot, 7 Zak Johns, 8 Samu Bruce, 9 Charles Kensey, 10 Liam Allan, 11 James Marshman, 12 Kabati Matanakilagi, 13 Angus Cameron, 14 Jacob Williams, 15 Sam Buster, Jamie Morris, Connor Robinson. Coach - Andrew Jack
