RUGBY LEAGUE
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CAM Jones calls it embarrassing.
Player-coach Mick Sullivan has similar feelings, and when faced with the same scenario again on SUnday, is imploring his forwards to stand-up or face the very real prospect of, again, having “their pants pulled down”.
They’re both referring to their last clash with Lithgow Workies.
A 22-12 loss at Wade Park, the green and golds virtually went into their shell for 80 minutes as the monster Workies pack went to work on annihilating the minor premiers through the middle of the field, leading many Group 10 followers to the belief that CYMS’ pack simply isn’t up to it in the big games.
Sunday’s major semi-final is one of those big games - the biggest of 2015 so far.
And for Jones, who will be required to muscle up against the wave of Workies big men set to shake Wade Park, there’s no better game than this one to leave a mark in.
“The last two times we’ve played them ... the second time they embarrassed us at home,” Jones, 20, said.
“It’s a good challenge as well, especially being one of the younger ones.
“Against an experienced Lithgow pack, it’s a good chance to prove your worth. I think we’ve all been looking at getting one back on them.”
VIDEO: Michelle Cook and Nick McGrath preview this weekend's games:
It will be, however, much easier said than done.
CYMS’ pack hasn’t been gifted much luck injury or suspension wise heading into the clash, with lock Tim Mortimer ruled out of the season and backrower Riley Law suspended for one game at Thursday night’s judiciary.
Simon Osborne and Trent Rose will play though, and that’s something Jones is thrilled about.
“It’s much better (having them on your side) than versing them,” he smiled, the agro duo two of CYMS’ best in a big final round win over Bathurst St Pat’s.
“That bit of intimidation, it’s good to have on our side.”
That intimidation is something Sullivan is well aware Sunday’s clash with Lithgow will be full of, with the two sides having previously met on six occasions in finals games over the last five seasons.
“It’s all on our forwards. If they don’t stand up we’re going to end up having our pants pulled down,” Sullivan said.
“Semis are a different game, what we’ve done throughout the regular season isn’t going to be enough anymore.
“We’ve got to lift another gear.”
Sunday’s game kicks off at 3pm.
ORANGE CYMS: 1 Tim Bassmann, 2 Robbie Mortimer, 3 Jerome Harrison, 4 Ben McAlpine, 5 Semisi Katoa, 6 Matt Rose, 7 Mick Sullivan, 8 Simon Osborne, 9 Sam Hill, 10 Cam Jones, 11 Scott Sullivan, 12 Trent Rose, 13 Kyran Bubb; 14 Logan Pocklington, 15 Ben Gosper, 16 Luke Petrie; 17 Wayne Collets, 18 Luke Coleman.