GRAND FINAL TIMES: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
AT WADE PARK
- WOMEN'S: Dubbo Roos v Bathurst Bulldogs, 10.30am.
- THIRDS: Dubbo Roos v Bathurst Bulldogs, 11.50am.
- SECONDS: Dubbo Roos v Bathurst Bulldogs, 1.20pm.
- COLTS: Orange Emus v Orange City, 3pm.
- FIRSTS: Orange Emus v Orange City, 4.30pm.
TEAMS
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BOTH CLUBS' 2020 RECORDS
ORANGE CITY
- ROUND 1: Bye
- ROUND 2: Dubbo Roos 11 def Lions 8.
- ROUND 3: Emus 50 def Lions 10.
- ROUND 4: Lions 22 def Forbes 5.
- ROUND 5: Bathurst Bulldogs 33 def Lions 21.
- ROUND 6: Bye.
- ROUND 7: Lions 15 def Dubbo Roos 12.
- ROUND 8: Emus 31 def Lions 17.
- ROUND 9: Lions 41 def Forbes 3.
- SEMI-FINAL: Lions 24 def Dubbo Roos 23.
RECORD: 8 games; 4 wins, 4 losses.
ORANGE EMUS
- ROUND 1: Emus 48 def Forbes 8.
- ROUND 2: Emus 22 def Bathurst Bulldogs 11.
- ROUND 3: Emus 50 def Lions 10.
- ROUND 4: Emus 20 def Roos 7.
- ROUND 5: Bye.
- ROUND 6: Emus 8 def Forbes 0 (called off early due to snow).
- ROUND 7: Emus 27 def Bathurst Bullodgs 22.
- ROUND 8: Emus 31 def Lions 17.
- ROUND 9: Emus 25 def Dubbo Roos 22.
- SEMI-FINAL: Emus 26 def Bathurst Bulldogs 20.
RECORD: 9 games; 9 wins; 0 losses
PERFECT TENS: STAR HALVES KEY MEN AS RIVALS AIM FOR ULTIMATE GLORY
At the start of the year few would have predicted a Lions and Emus Blowes Clothing Cup grand final in September.
Even less again would have had Joe Lasagavibau and Carter Hirini in the hot seat for their respective clubs.
Lasagavibau was training with CYMS throughout the pre-season but when COVID-19 put an end to the Group 10 season, the livewire Fijian didn't hesitate to duck back up to Pride Park and help out Viv Paasi.
At Endeavour Oval, Hirini is widely regarded as one of the better ball-runners in the competition.
Fast, elusive and hugely competitive, the kiwi winger has scored tries for fun throughout the greens tremendous run from 2014.
But that competitive drive pushed Hirini to switch it up, and he's now got the keys to one of the best sides in country rugby.
"I just wanted to get myself more involved, and not just be that runner or try-scorer, but be a leader and have more of a say on the game," the 29-year-old said.
I wanted to be more of an influential player.
- Emus five-eighth Carter Hirini.
"I didn't necessarily have eyes on the 10, but I wanted to be more of an influential player."
His speed is still his biggest asset, and to Hirini's credit an evolving passing game has ensuring his shift in-field has been smooth sailing for Emus.
Just don't ask him to kick the ball.
"That's the call. There's certain kickers in our team, and I'm not on the list. I didn't make the cut," he laughed.
"Any time the responsibility comes up we find a way to work around it, Jamil will slot in or Nigel, even Sam at halfback ... anyone by me really."
Lasagavibau's shift to 10 coincided with the Lions' return to form, having slotted into the five-eighth role for City's tremendous win in Dubbo during the regular season.
It's paying off and now and we're in the grand final ... and planning on winning.
- Orange City half Joe Lasagavibau
He's been pulling the strings for his old club ever since.
"We've been working hard now for the whole year. We didn't start off well but now after that comeback against Dubbo (in round seven) we've lifted from there," he added.
"It's paying off and now and we're in the grand final ... and planning on winning."
The experienced Fijian was part of the Lions' 2015 grand final side too, which was also a game against Emus.
"I think we'll need a full-80 performance. Defence is the key," Lasagavibau added.
Hirini added he was expecting the unexpected from the Lions.
"They've got every reason to knock us off," he said.
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Nick McGrath
Editor, Central Western Daily
Editor, Central Western Daily
