The ProTen rugby league competition, which features teams who were involved in the now defunct Group 17, heads to Narrandera for the second round.
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In the opening round at Hillston, Goolgowi, Barellan and Rankins Springs turned in impressive performances and even at this stage could be regarded as good things for places in the semi-finals but that’s a way off, and as we know in rugby league anything can happen.
Goolgowi and Barellan will kick the day off at 2pm after turning in strong performances at Hillston, so this clash could turn out to be the game of the round. The two have plenty of talent in their respective squads with the Rams fullback Albert Gibson, centres Kurt Bandy and Ryan Overall along with captain and halfback Ben Evans expected to have big games.
Goolgowi won't be far off the pace either, and the Rabbitohs look to have come up with a winner in stylish centre Billy Hale who knows where the try line is as he bagged four tries against Narrandera. Brad Turner at fullback, centre Nathan Saunders and the very experienced number seven Simon McClure are the major hopes for the red and white.
In game number two at 3.30pm, Hillston, although beaten on the bell by Rankins Springs in Hillston, will go in as favourites against Ivanhoe. The Bluebirds won the knockout and looked good in doing it. Official Peter Hogno said the Blue and White have been training the house down and are ready to go.
Lock Sam Fensom, goal-kicking centre Daniel Milthorpe, five-eight Mark Rathmell, halfback Tom Brettschnieder, prop Michael Stalley and hooker Brandon Holgate are among the players expected to shine. Ivanhoe’s chances of springing an upset rest with five-eighth Conrad McGinty.
In the final game at 5pm, Narrandera will be out to impress local supporters when they play Rankins Springs. The Lizards are yet to break the ice and will be looking for Kye Longford to lead the way with support form centre Troy Prior who has plenty of experience.
Rankins Springs is not short in the experience stakes either and will build on big efforts from the likes of Jamie Parsons at hooker, Josh Curphy off the bench, prop Josh Johnson, centre Brent Parsons, five-eighth and goal kicker Damien Walker and fullback Todd McCarten.
The games will all be played at Narrandera Sportsground on Saturday afternoon.