Emus’ troops returning
Goondiwindi will be looking to build some second-round momentum when it welcomes back several key players for today’s Wagners Wellcamp Risdon Cup clash with Toowoomba Rangers.
The Emus and Rangers meet in a pivotal round 15 match at Riddles Oval.
The game result is set to have a significant impact on the top of the premiership ladder as the countdown continues towards next month’s finals’ series.
Goondiwindi is coming off a 47-22 win over Roma following its costly loss to Condamine while Rangers bounced back to winning form last week with a 34-12 victory over USQ.
The Emus have been under-manned in recent weeks with a large contingent of players on rep duty with the Queensland Country Heelers.
The bad news for Goondiwindi is their captain and Heelers’ prop Jack Cook is out for the remainder of the season, recovering from a knee dislocation suffered in his first Queensland Country outing.
The good news is the remainder of their representative players, with the exception of half Will Gilbert, will be back for this week’s game.
“It’s a massive game for us,” Cook said yesterday.
“Especially with us being close to full strength again.
“I’m out for the season and Will is out this week but he should be right for the following game.
“Otherwise things are starting to look okay again for us.
“The minor premiership is still our goal and hopefully we can get a win this week which will put us in a good position.
“We beat Rangers in the first round but they’ll be a completely different team
this time and will be very tough.”
IN OTHER games today Highfields is at home to
USQ, Toowoomba Bears travel to Roma and UQ Gatton hosts Condamine.
Matches start at 3pm.