AFTER being robbed of the chance last season, brothers Michael and Chris Rothnie finally have the opportunity to play representative footy together.
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Both were selected to represent Central West in the annual Matt Smith Memorial Trophy clash last year, however Chris was relegated to an emergency role after the squad was looked over.
The pair have played together for the Orange Tigers for the past two seasons, and both will don green-and-gold on Saturday against Northern Riverina at Wade Park.
“We’ve played together pretty much our whole lives,” Michael, 19, said.
“But he’s been in the first grade side at the Tigers for a year longer,” Chris, 18, added.
“It’s good to play together, we love it.”
Both Rothnies were unsure of what to expect from their opponents.
In last year’s clash, Michael was voted best on ground, but said his previous experience means little.
“I’ve got no idea what Northern Riverina will be like,” he said.
“They’re always very strong, but we haven’t trained or anything, so I’m not sure really sure how we’ll approach it.”
“I think we’ll look to play basic footy,” Chris said.
“Make sure we do the little things right.”
The Rothnies said their personal goals revolve around helping the team achieve success.
“I’d love to bag seven (goals),” Chris laughed.
“But making sure I kick them when I get a chance is the most important thing.”
“I’ll just look to get the ball through the middle into the forward line as quick as I can,” Michael said.
First bounce in the senior game is at 4.30pm, however gates open at 8.45am for a host of junior and ladies’ fixtures.
CENTRAL WEST: Dennis Peadamont, Steve Grundy, Jack Allars, Alexander Davey, Shaun Noyen, Grant Daly, Matt Archer, Tim Hunter, Jack Vogan (Bathurst), Michael Rothnie, Chris Rothnie, Dale Hunter, Paul Jenkins, Ben Monaghan, Josh Bubnich, Matt Dippolito, Daniel Bruce (Orange), Struan Pearce, Kim Woodman, Jack Hewitt (Dubbo), Blair Holgate (Cowra), Samuel Herzich (Young)