DUBBO Kangaroos coach Paul Hennock is thankful for the weekend off during the first round of Blowes Clothing Cup finals and is hopeful of seeing the two Orange sides inflict some damage on each other this Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Roos clinched the minor premiership last Saturday with a comprehensive win over the Mudgee Wombats and receive a bye this weekend as their reward.
The minor premiers return to the field the following weekend for a major semi-final clash at No. 1 Oval with the winner of this weekend's preliminary semi-final between Orange Emus and Orange City.
With a number of injury worries, namely star centre Filisione Pauta and his troubled ankle, Hennock admitted he and his squad were thankful for not having to play this weekend and was hoping the extra rest period would allow his squad to return to the field fully fit in the major semi.
"We've just got a few little niggles so it's good to have the week off and get that sorted out," he said.
"Anthony Golding is still eligible for second grade so he'll have a run with them this weekend because he's missed the last few games and is lacking some match fitness.
"Filisione (Pauta) was at training but we still don't know, he didn't run and Max (Ma'a Nelson) is a bit sore and James Mata has a groin injury he carries week to week."
Golding will be the only first grade who plays for the second grade team in their semi-final at Orange this weekend and many of the Roos' top side will be in attendance to cheer on the lower grades.
While watching all three lower grade teams play was a big focus, Hennock admitted he and his players would be keeping one eye on the clash between Emus and City. A clash he thought Emus had the class to win in what he hoped would be a physical affair.
"I think City may have been playing with them a bit last week with a couple of players pulling out but I think Emus and ourselves have been the form sides this season," he said.
"City have been there and done it so they might take an advantage in that psychological aspect but I hope they knock each other around a bit."
Hennock and his side celebrated their minor premiership win last weekend but he had them back at work during a light session on Tuesday night.
He will lift the intensity again next week for more physical sessions on Tuesday and Thursday.
"We were happy but the focus has moved to the finals now and the boys aren't getting carried away," he said.
"The most pleasing aspect is all sides finished in the top three and we finished second in the club championships and that says a lot about the club and what we've done this year."
