Dubbo Kangaroos fullback Will Martel remains in doubt for tomorrow’s Blowes Menswear Cup grand final after dislocating his shoulder during the major semi-final win against Bathurst Bulldogs two weeks ago.
Martel’s fitness is the only major issue for the club who tomorrow at No.1 Oval will field teams in all four men’s grand finals.
In another coup for Dubbo, the Rhinos will be represented in the Women’s Cup premiership decider.
Martel will be given until game time to prove his fitness and the agile fullback is hopeful he can pull through and make the line-up.
After downing the Narromine Gorillas last weekend, the Bulldogs secured the final spot in the grand final against the Roos, but the Roos staff are confident they can get the job done again and win their third successive Central West first grade premiership.
Senior coach Wayne Stewart said yesterday that Martel was the only injury concern his side was facing and was anxious for the fullback to prove his fitness.
“Will has been our fullback all season and I have been very impressed with his form up to date so the possibility of losing him for the grand final would be a huge loss,” Stewart said.
“In saying that however we do have a lot of talent in our second grade side and I’m confident we could fill his position if need be.
“However, after watching Will at training on Tuesday I am fairly confident he will be right to play.”
After suffering only one defeat this season at the hands of Forbes, the Roos will head into the grand final as favourites. But after struggling to find form during the first stanza of their match against Bulldogs two weeks ago, Stewart said his side will not be taking the visitors lightly.
He believes the week off before the major semi-final (after being minor premiers) may have impacted on the way his side performed.
He said yesterday that he had put plans in place to ensure last weekend’s second break after winning the major semi-final would not impact upon his side’s performance tomorrow.
“We struggled in the first half against Bathurst in the major semi after having a week off due to us claiming the minor premiership,” Stewart said.
“However in the past fortnight we put some plans into place to try to overcome the fact that we have had a week off from playing.
“I’m quite confident we will be better prepared this week than we were in the major semi.”
Tomorrow’s grand final will be the Roos’ fourth straight grand final, losing in 2005 to the Bulldogs.
Stewart said he had faith in his team’s ability and believes their experience and knowledge of finals football would serve them well.
“They (the Roos) know how to lift for big games and I am pretty confident you will see an improved side from the major semi, one with a lot more potential and ability to play a different kind of football if the need arises,” Stewart said.
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