There will be a family feel around the Dubbo Kangaroos in Saturday’s derby clash with the Rhinos after two sets of brothers were named to play.
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Dean Matthews and his coaching staff have called on yet another Roos colt to debut in first grade in Danny Ryan and the mentor is hopeful he can have a similar impact to his brother, consistent fullback Luke Ryan.
Those two are joined in the side by the experienced Finch brothers, Jack and Joe, for the Mark Melville Cup match at Caltex Park.
Danny Ryan has been impressing in the backline in colts this season and on Saturday he will become the 12th under 20s player this season to enjoy a run-on debut in first grade.
“He’s someone we’ve been wanting to give a game for some time,” Matthews said.
“He’s happy to have a go and debut with alongside his older brother and we’re looking forward to it.”
Luke Ryan has developed into one of the Roos’ best this season.
Somewhat of an unknown in the top grade coming into this season after time in colts and second grade, the fullback quickly made the number 15 jersey his own.
After a string of strong showings, Ryan produced one of his best performances last week in a two-try effort in the hugely important win over Bathurst Bulldogs.
“Our backline has been outstanding but he (Ryan) is someone I coached in colts and then second grade and he just seems to grow each season,” Matthews said.
“He’s enjoying his football too and that helps but he and ‘Pughy’ (Brad Pugh) probably don’t get the credit they deserve.
“Lukey gets through a mountain of work at the back and ‘Pughy’ does too and I think sometimes people forget about them.
“It’s the same as Johnny Mafiti in the forwards. He does all the dirty work others don’t and he got injured last week so he’s a huge loss this weekend.
“But those guys probably don’t get the recognition but we definitely notice it.”
Matthews was also full of praise for the Finch brothers, who have struggled to feature regularly this season due to work commitments.
Both were hailed as “good tough footballers” and with Jack named at hooker and Joe at inside centre, both will have big jobs to do this weekend.
The Rhinos are somewhat of an unknown prospect, with many changes expected again in the lineup after forfeits in all three grades to Cowra last weekend, but Matthews knows his side will be physically tested.
The coach said his forward pack still speaks of the corresponding match earlier this year, the Roos won that 20-0, as arguably the most physical match of the season.
“And it’s their (Rhinos’) 25 year anniversary so no doubt they’ll be keen to put in a big performance,” Matthew said.
“They’ve just had dramas with injuries and then the forfeit but speaking to their president, Ian Burns, he said they’re ready and pumped for it so if we go in expecting anything but that (a physical game) we’re in for a real battle.”
In a blow for the Roos, hard-working flanker Eli Kinscher has been lost for the season due to a number of head knocks but colt Hamish Smith has starred in recent weeks and Matthews said he is a “readymade” replacement.
Kick-off at on Saturday is at the earlier time of 2.30pm.
DUBBO KANGAROOS: 1 Ned Williams, 2 Joe Finch, 3 Will Chaffey, 4 Monty Hicks, 5 Sam Clements, 6 Reuben Williams, 7 Hamish Smith, 8 Shaun McHugh, 9 Jock Brownhill, 10 Brad Pugh, 11 Hamish Gordon, 12 Jack Finch, 13 Billy Sing, 14 Danny Ryan, 15 Luke Ryan