READY: Johnny Rathbone will lead Parkes in their preliminary final against Dubbo Roos. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0707emu12
PARKES coach Trevor Whittaker has rushed back key forwards Luke Freeman and Ben Ryan into his side for tomorrow's Blowes Clothing Cup first grade final against Dubbo Kangaroos.
Dubbo will host games in all grades at No.1 Oval with Dubbo Rhinos also involved, playing Orange City in third grade.
Whittaker said his side will be a full strength for the must-win game against the Roos with Dan Ryan moving to the second row, Ben Ryan to flanker and Charles Michel and Luke Freeman going to the bench.
The forwards were great against Narromine last week in the elimination semi-final, building momentum before the ball was spun wide and the 35-32 result fully deserved.
"We had a few sore bodies after the weekend but it's looking good and we'll have the full squad available," Whittaker said.
"Everyone was pumped after the Narromine win and hopefully we'll carry that enthusiasm into the final at Dubbo.
"Last year we lost to Narromine in the major semi-final but fought our way back to win the grand final. The players know what's needed to win these tough games and that experience is important.
"We won't be worrying about what the Roos have for us, our game is more important.
"The only concern we had out of last week was leaking four tries. We'll be working on our defence to make sure that doesn't happen again this week."
The only newcomer into the 2012 side is tall Tongan second-rower Tohi Tangi who had a fabulous game against Narromine.
"He's the only new guy in the side this year. He's formerly a winger who has fitted into the club well and after some excellent performances in second grade has been given his chance in firsts over the past three weeks and deserves to be there on Saturday," Whittaker said.
Tangi was part of the Parkes comeback during the first half at Narromine. The home side was leading 15-11 before Tangi got into open space on halfway and showed amazing speed for a forward to beat the defence and score in the left corner.
But the two men the Roos will have to watch tomorrow are the halves Johnny Rathbone and big No.10 Mahe Fangupo.
"Mahe loves to have the ball in his hands and, with a strong upper body, is a handful for every defence," Whittaker said.
Rathbone, who has played with the Roos previously, and Mahe were involved in two vital second half tries that got the Boars home.
At home, the Roos have named Tim Berry as captain in place of the injured Shaun McHugh.
