How do you turn around a 50-point thrashing in just seven days?
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That’s the task Oberon captain-coach Luke Branighan is facing ahead of Sunday’s qualifying semi-final clash with Group 10 powerhouse Bathurst Panthers.
The men in black hosted the Tigers in the final round of the regular season last week, emphatically accounting for Branighan’s side 54-4.
A place in the major semi-final at Wade Park is up for grabs for Sunday’s winner, and despite last week’s result Branighan is confident the Tigers can still earn that shot to play CYMS.
“The boys knew last week was unacceptable, in saying that we had five or six players out,” Branighan said, himself one of those Oberon players missing.
“We have been crucified by injuries all year. Far worse than any other side.
“To run third is a pretty good effort under those circumstances. You take key players out of the top two for eight or 10 weeks they’re not on as many points as they are.
“No one gives us a chance, outside of our own club. We know with the side we’ve got this week, it’s the strongest we’ve had this year.”
Branighan returns to the halves after a lengthy lay-off following surgery on a fractured thumb.
While 2015 Dave Scott medalist Trent Rose is another notable inclusion in the black and gold ahead of the second versus third clash.
Blake Miller is the only player missing for the Tigers after being injured in the Panthers flogging seven days ago.
Still, it’s the fiercest Tigers side Branighan has been able to name since round one against Hawks.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge,” the coach said.
Panthers have the wood on the Tigers after also winning the two sides’ first encounter in round nine, Todd Barrow’s side claiming a 28-6 win at Oberon.
Branighan believes the key to turning around both results is through the middle, with Brent Seager’s battle with veteran Tigers’ recruit Matt Wakefield one the Oberon mentor says is key.
“Everything starts an finishes with their pack. You control that it limits the damage … but it’s easier said than done,” he added.
“I’m relaxed and confident. Those games we’ve played this year we’ve been beaten by two good sides (in CYMS and Panthers).
“But this is by far the best team we’ve had on the paddock.”
Nick McGrath
Editor, Central Western Daily
Editor, Central Western Daily
