A BIG weekend of union is on the horizon as the Phantoms prepare for a grand final rematch in first grade.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Leeton will hit the road to take on the Wagga Waratahs on Saturday in what is expected to be cold and wet conditions for their first meeting since last year’s premiership match, which was taken out by the Phantoms.
Both teams are undefeated this season, but in Leeton’s favour will be the return of coach Marika Vunibaka who has served his three-week suspension.
The Tumut Bulls had appealed the longevity of the suspension following an incident earlier this season, but it was dismissed on Monday night, meaning Vunibaka is back on deck to coach this weekend.
RELATED
However, the Phantoms are missing some players ahead of the game through injury.
“We’re also waiting on a few to get back from Fiji,” club president Tim Allen said.
“I don’t think we’ve had a consistent team over the last couple of weeks, but that’s what happens in football.
“In saying that, the side is very much looking forward to the challenge. They’ve been building towards this game.
“From all reports Waratahs are again the form side of the competition, so it will be interesting to see how we go against them and where we are sitting at the end of it.”
Dianas showing signs of improvement
For the Dianas, they too will be tested against a strong Waratahs outfit.
Last weekend the women’s sevens side went down to the Griffith Blacks 30-10, but Allen felt the scoreline didn’t necessarily reflect the intensity of the match.
“Griffith got out early with a couple of quick tries, but we fought back and for a long time in the match it was 15-10,” he said.
“They scored a couple of tries late in the game, which is why the score blew out a bit. I thought the girls played well. We had another new debutante, so it’s great to see the team building up.”
Allen is confident the Dianas will put in a good showing this weekend. “They are improving week-by-week and that’s certainly all we can ask for,” he said.
“We’re getting more numbers at training, so that’s a positive as well.” Supporters have been urged to head to Wagga and cheer the sides over the line on Saturday.