Illawarriors ready for final battle

JOEL RITCHIE

THE ILLAWARRIORS are confident heading into Friday’s Caldwell Cup final against Newcastle/Hunter at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Coach Sean Barrett said the Illawarra’s rugby union side would be at almost full strength for the decider.

“We’ll have Trevor and James Patrick and Ian Ross back for the final and I don’t think there are too many other injury concerns,” Barrett said.

“Everyone is putting their hand up to play –we’ll have the strongest squad possible.”

The only question mark is over fly half Scott Morgan, who suffered a shoulder injury in Illawarra’s round three win over Central West.

Barrett said Shamrocks’ fly half Scott Taresenko, who is on the comeback trail after an ankle injury, could step into the breach if Morgan is unfit.

Tech-Waratahs player Tim Filan or Vikings’ Mitchell Wakeford could also offer a stop-gap at fly-half, Barrett said.

The team will train on Thursday night before the Friday night match, which will be the curtain raiser for the NSW Waratahs-Cheetahs Super 14 clash.

“They boys are excited about playing in the final – that’s been the carrot all the way through,” Barrett said.

Barrett said his charges were confident after a 23-17 win over Hunter at Ocean Park in round two.

“We’re looking good; I’m confident we have done enough hard work,” he said.

Kick off is at 4.30pm.