Oberon will unleash two new recruits on Group 10 competition leaders Orange CYMS on Sunday, one a very familiar face, the other largely unknown.
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Both, however, will bring plenty to the already impressive Tigers in 2017.
A former Western Rams representative, veteran prop Wade Judd has again linked with Oberon while 2015 and 2016 Parramatta Eels’ under 20s gun Tui Oloapu will add some serious strike to the Tigers’ three-quarter line.
Injured captain-coach Luke Branighan confirmed the dual acquisitions during the week, adding his side is confident of leaving Wade Park with points on Sunday.
“For sure, we’ve got a strong side in this week,” Branighan said, his and that of halfback Blake Miller the only absences from Oberon’s side ahead of round seven.
Miller was suspended following a tussle in the Tigers’ 40-0 win over Blayney last weekend. Bears benchie Marcus Burrell also copped a suspension as a result of the stink.
“There’s plenty of quality there,” Branighan continued looking at his side.
“We’ve picked up a couple of players this week … we know it’s going to be tough but we’ve got some goals we set this year and this is another step towards them.”
The Tigers have lost just one game this season and, along with Bathurst Panthers, shape as one of the main challengers to CYMS in 2017.
Branighan knows, though, talking about competing with CYMS and venturing to Wade Park and pulling down the green and golds’ pants are two completely different propositions.
“Sully’s done a fantastic job there, won four comps in about seven years and put the Group back on the map,” Branighan said.
“They’re the competition leaders for a reason.
“They’ve got strike right across the park, they move the ball really well. Our guys will need to aim up particularly in defence to hopefully come away with a victory.”
Branighan’s hamstring injury is expected to be keep him on the sidelines for another week, with the club scheduled for a round eight bye before a massive clash with Bathurst Panthers in round nine.
TIGERS: 1 Matty Ballinger, 2 Tyler Hughes, 3 Tui Oloapu, 4 Jackson Brien, 5 Josh Rivett, 6 Blake Fitzpatrick, 7 Anton Wereta, 8 Abel Faifua-Lefaoseu, 9 Luke Carpenter, 10 Jake Dawe, 11 Mike Ingwerson, 12 Trent Rose, 13 Dave Sellars; 14 Ryan Verlindin, 15 Wade Judd, 16 Sione Fotu-Moala, 17 Cody Godden.