The Country Cockatoos know their Australian Rugby Shield season is on the line when they take on the competition front runners the Queensland Country Blue Heelers at Warren tomorrow.
Queensland Country has registered two bonus point wins from two matches for 10 points, while the Cockatoos sit in second spot on four points with one win from one match.
The Cockatoos go into the match with one change to the starting line-up, and a forced change on the bench due to an injury sustained by utility back Chris Jack in the Melbourne match.
Warren captain-coach, David Greig returns to loose head with Fergus McIntosh switching to the bench, while Shamrock’s Dwayne De Vries comes onto the bench for his Cockatoo debut.
The Cockatoos had to dig deep last week to overcome a very fired up and committed Melbourne Axemen, who knew they needed a win to stay in the hunt for back to back ARS titles.
A strong finish by the Cockatoos saw them come from behind to register a very impressive victory which pleased the coaches Paul Verrell and Jay Tregonning.
The Queensland Country Blue Heelers will be led by former Narromine, Central West and NSW Country Cockatoo player Andrew MacPherson, who relocated to Goondiwindi two seasons ago.
His presence in the Blue Heelers team will add a little more spice to the ‘Country Clash,’ with the winning team claiming the ‘Country Bragging Rights’ for 2008.
The match will be played at Victoria Park, Warren kicking off at 5pm, and will be preceded by a day of senior and Junior club rugby.