ORL Grand Final
University Oval No 5, 2.30pm today
Bears (three to be omitted): Terrence Reid, Talmage Lawrence, Micah Lepaio, Mikal Tuari, Chase Stephens, Tupu Asuao, Owen Draper, Cel Taani, Sam Johnstone, Reuben Katene, Ben Sorensen, William Jackson, Ellery Fruean, Kamryn Brown, Jimmy Eteuati, Zayyen BensonBrown, Caleb Lawrence, Hamuera Taingahue, Camrin Brown, Sebastian Potgieter.
Raiders (four to be omitted): Ben Hanara, Ben Rumble, Chase Kennedy, Chris Talauta, Ethan Ramage, Garth Kinley, James Piho, Lausei Pritchard, Louis Tili, Mackenzie Haugh, Mana Ashby, Manassah Kutia, Matthan Schaaf, Mika Vaitupu, Misinale Ofa, Shaun Tahau, Steven CampbellPaniona, Tama Apineru, Teremoana Hamblin, Willie Time, Wilson Driver.
Key Raiders threats
Tama Apineru: an elusive ball runner with the best fend in the competition. Apineru will likely dictate the success of the Raiders’ backline.
Willie Time: like Apineru, Time possesses great footwork, speed and agility. Time’s determination to score tries sets him apart from his opponents.
Chris Talauta: a physical centre that provides serious impact out wide, while also possessing the ability to lay solid shots on defence.
Ben Rumble: a standout performer for the Raiders this season, Rumble’s strong carries and strong shots on defence have laid the platform for his side on multiple occasions.
Key Bears threats
Sam Johnstone: a quick and smart hooker who directs play with ease, as well as being an immaculate tackler who locks down the middle of the field. Johnstone’s presence will not go unnoticed.
Camrin Brown: a strong ball runner with good pace and footwork, as well as being a solid defender who will likely be among the top three tacklers in the game if he plays big minutes.
Ellory Freuan: a utility player with the mindset and skills to dominate his opposition, regardless of where he takes place on the field. Freuan’s ball running is particularly lethal and the Raiders will be keen to shut him down.
Reuben Katene: a big body with the skillset required to get some real goforward for
his side.