Saturday's Blowes Clothing Cup preliminary final presents a somewhat new challenge for defending premiers Orange Emus, simply because it's been so long since they've been forced to navigate the hard, sudden-death road to a decider.
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Emus have hosted the last four grand finals in a remarkable stretch of post-season dominance - winning three - and thanks to that, they've not been forced to play for their lives in an elimination final for more than half a decade.
The last time they did was against Orange City in 2014 and they survived that, Nigel Staniforth kicking a penalty goal on full-time to secure Emus' 21-19 win and propel them into the decider against Dubbo Kangaroos.
We're all very aware the prospect is win this weekend or get bundled out.
- Emus coach Pete Bromley
While he admits being in a do-or-die situation a week before the grand final is probably a bit "different" for a lot of the group, Emus coach Pete Bromley said he's not concerned, having nowhere to hide may well be a positive.
"We're all very aware the prospect is win this weekend or get bundled out," he said.
"We want another shot at beating Bulldogs in Bathurst like we've threatened to do all season but to get that chance in the grand final we have a job to do against Cowra this weekend.
"I don't think the fact we've not been in this position for a while will make a difference. We want to win every game, and we're all completely focused on getting the job done."
The greens aren't expected to have Staniforth to kick them to victory should it come to it though, the greens' skipper hasn't been named after suffering a knee injury last weekend.
While 11th hour changes are nothing new come finals time, it appears unlikely he'll turn out this weekend, with Levi Russell taking his place in the No.15 jersey.
Fortunately Emus do welcome back former NSW Country winger Tom Green from injury, while former Cockatoo Colts back-rower Sam Greatbatch returns to the side of the scrum.
"It's always a welcome boost when the get players of that calibre back for big games, and while Nigel is hurt I'm confident Levi will fill his role at the back well," Bromley said.
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"Levi's been really great since coming in midway through the season and it's a nod to our depth that we've got so many quality outside backs, quality players across the board really.
"Greeny is obviously an experienced campaigner, he's won premierships and has been excellent again this year so it's good to have him back and Sammy has been a vital contributor all season and he really strengthens our lineout coming back into the pack."
Harry Cummins and Jack Marchinton make way for Green and Greatbatch, respectively, with Bromley saying their addition to Emus' second grade side will be a massive boost ahead of that outfit's preliminary final showdown with Dubbo Kangaroos.
Saturday's grand final qualifier kicks off at 3.15pm at Endeavour Oval, it remains unconfirmed who will captain Emus should Staniforth be ruled out.
- ORANGE EMUS: 1 Nas Havealeta, 2 Charlie Henley, 3 Michael Graham, 4 Sam McLean, 5 Nick Hughes-Clapp, 6 Simon Badgery, 7 Sam Greatbatch, 8 Scott McLean, 9 TJ Cunynghame, 10 Jamil Khalfan, 11 Tom Green, 12 Lachie Harris, 13 Tom Joseph, 14 Carter Hirini, 15 Levi Russell
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