Injured Oberon Tigers lock Dave Sellers is sure the black and golds can bounce back after the disappointment of last week’s two-point loss to Bathurst Panthers.
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But he knows doing so will be far from easy.
The Tigers tackle premiership leaders Orange Hawks on Sunday and Sellers is one of half-a-dozen premier league guns set to watch from the stands.
Captain-coach Luke Branighan, bustling centre Abel Lefaoseu and hooker Black Fitzpatrick are the other big names on the sidelines this week.
The Tigers are assured of a finals berth, but Sellers says heading into the finals with a full head of steam, rather than out of puff, was crucial if Oberon is to make a run at the 2018 title.
“We are under no illusions as to how tough it will be having to beat three quality sides on the road to make it to the grand final,” Sellers said, with Oberon likely to finish fifth on the ladder.
“Mudgee did it a few years ago and we have beaten CYMS and Panthers this year and gone close to Hawks, a side that’s have been unreal all year, the benchmark, I think.
“They don’t have a lot of weaknesses … Heta is a freak and they have a huge pack.”
Sellers said the makeshift Tigers will have to turn around the big Hawks pack on a regular basis if it’s to come away with a much-needed victory.
“It’s going to be super important where we turn the ball over,” he added.
There will be no first division clash on Sunday, with league tag starting at 10.30am followed by under 18s and then premier league, all at Wade Park.