Innisfail ‘got a kick in the butt’

INNISFAIL’S under-19s team will need a change in attitude if they hope to secure a spot in next week’s CDRL grand final.

The 2018 minor premiers will take on Kangaroos tomorrow, but after last weekend’s 58-26 loss to Brothers, coach Ian Wilmett said the team would need to lift its game.

“It’s a big game tomorrow, we just have to go and see how we prepare,” he said.

“Last week, our preparation was terrible for the game, mainly our attitudes.

“I gave a few of them a kick up the butt, they got a serve.

“They thought they had it in the bag, and they got blown off the park. Brothers are a very good side.

“I wasn’t surprised, I’ve seen signs throughout the year that our attitude was too casual.

“This time of year you need to be switched on and ready to go.”

Lessons were learnt and he said he hoped the players’ attitudes had improved.

“If our preparation is better this week, hopefully we’ll be there at the end of the game and come away with the two points, and if we get the two points we’ll be playing in the grand final,” he said.

“We have finished the season as minor premiers, and it’s great to achieve that, but now the serious football starts.

“Willy Laza comes back into the side, so that will be a bonus,” he said.

Innisfail will take on the Kangaroos at 4pm tomorrow at Barlow Park.

In the reserve grade, Mareeba will play Southern Suburbs.

In the A grade, Tully Tigers will play Cairns Brothers in an elimination final.

The winner will play Mossman Port Douglas in the grand final next weekend.