The Bega Roosters will be fresh for a clash with the Narooma Devils this Sunday.
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Like most senior clubs, the Roosters enjoyed the long weekend bye round, but the Devils played catch-up games against the Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs, and are lamenting their results after going down in all four senior grades.
Group 16 officials said the Devils were a bit of an “unknown quantity” this season and had put on some strong results, but would be up for a challenge to get over the Roosters on their home turf.
Narooma packs a similar arsenal to the Bega club in first grade, not focusing on raw size or strength alone, but a combination of power and agility that can set the outside backs loose in enemy territory.
The Devils are not the weakest defensive side by any stretch, but with a full bench and fresh legs, the Roosters have proved the strongest attacking roster in the first grade draw.
The tri-colours have scored almost 80 more points than any other club within Group 16 this season.
Players to watch will include Zach Cuzner, Joel Galeano, Tom Picker and lock Scott Fuller as some of the likely try-scoring candidates, while the likes of Mitch Carter and Jarrod Tamatea put in a good work-rate through the ruck.
The Roosters will also be keeping a close eye on Narooma’s Country Championship forward in Andrew Ayers, who could open up gaps for his speedsters on Sunday.
In other grades, the Roosters will front up strong in the reserve grade fixture.
The Bega outfit leads the competition, while the Devils were forced to call on some of their under 18s last week to cover injuries and tiring legs.
Similarly the Bega Chicks league-tag outfit has been making strides as the season progresses and will face an understrength She-Devils roster without the services of star fullback Lilly Bennett.
For other clubs, the Tathra Sea Eagles will look to level their registry, sitting just one win away from level pegging this season.
The Sea Eagles rallied to a gritty win over the Candelo-Bemboka Panthers at Lawrence Park on Sunday and will back up against Batemans Bay at McKay Park.
The Sea Eagles have welcomed the return of a number of players from injury and will look to their edge for scoring chances.
Transversely, the Panthers will be looking to bounce back from their narrow loss when they travel up to Bombala on Saturday for a clash with the Bombala Blue Heelers.
Bombala are currently the cellar dwellers in reserve grade, but the Panthers know not to underestimate the mountain men on their own soil.
The Roosters are at home with games from 10.30am and first grade at 2.30pm.