Rugby League Coaching Manuals

By Les Muir - Wagga's much-maligned Equex Centre has again been thrust squarely into the Group Nine rugby league spotlight. In a controversial move, the Group Nine board yesterday voted to play two finals games at Equex Centre next weekend, bypassing Fisher Park and Harris Park in the process.

Amid serious concerns about the sustainability of the playing surface at Equex Centre, Group Nine secretary Warren Barclay said the decision to play in Wagga had been overwhelming.

Barclay said the board was satisfied Equex Centre was a viable venue for the two critical games.

However, the use of Equex Centre for finals on successive days is sure to spark intense debate in Group Nine circles.

Plagued by drainage problems this year, the Wagga ground was closed by Wagga City Council for six weeks in the middle of the season, effectively costing the city the Group Nine grand final on September 26.

It is expected council staff will inspect the ground this week before the green light is given for the finals to be played.

Junee, meantime, qualified by beating Cootamundra 18-10 at Willow Park yesterday, while Brothers edged out Lavington 26-22 at Greenfield Park on Saturday to stay in the hunt for the Group Nine title.

Brothers victory was tinged with significant drama as Panthers skipper Josh Cale and rival prop Tim Westbalde were sent off by referee Scott Muir for alleged high tackles.

Cale had the dubious honour of being the first top grade player marched this year after an incident involving Brothers halfback John Campbell in the 34th minute.

Playing with 12 men for 46 minutes, Lavington crashed only after Brothers second-rower Brayden Sharrock scored a last-gasp try to break a 22-all deadlock.

Fresh from winning on the border, Brothers will now have a home ground advantage against Junee at Equex Centre on Saturday, but will be without Campbell.

The young halfback will have a series of tests today and is unlikely to play again for the rest of Brothers finals campaign.

Cale and Westblade will face the Group Nine judiciary in Wagga on Wednesday night.

Like Brothers, minor premier Kangaroos will savour playing at Equex Centre in a game from which the winner qualifies for the grand final on September 26.