Dingoes mentor Darren Bevan has remained tight lipped on the availability of Cameron Smith for the First Crack Grand Final that gets underway in less than 48 hours time. At the Grand Final breakfast at the Waterworks Hotel in Botany, Bevan was asked of Smith’s selection. Bevan brushed the question with “one man doesn’t make a team, and I have a more than suitable replacement waiting in the wings”. That player is Cameron McInnes.
Despite Bevan’s denial that the absence of Smith would be a massive blow for the Dingoes, anyone with half a clue about the great game would know not only do they lose a quality player, they also lose First Crack’s leading referee.
It is not all smoke and mirrors in the Dingoes camp however, With Villiame Kikau confirmed to have a visa, after an 11th hour wedding to none other than Avengers coach Joanne Bevan. When asked if this was a true and genuine relationship, Mrs. Kikau replied with “As if it isn’t mate…. Jog along”. But any such hope that this was faked was soon realized when Mrs. Kikau started chanting “Parra, Parra, Parra”, an obvious sign that they have come from the same village.
100n80 Nevan Clarkson was very open when discussing the surprise decision to replace Jamayne Isaako with the rocks and diamonds of Nick Cotric. “I just have one of those gut feelings that Nick has a hat-trick in him”. A pretty bold statement from the relaxed coach, who has had a horrible time with selecting players at the wrong times. It was only a matter of weeks ago that Alex Johnston got the tap on the shoulder for Cameron Munster. Johnston was solid, but Munster scored a TON+, and to rub more salt into the wound, 100n80 could have cracked the magic 1000 points in a round for the first time.
Head to Head Stats
Dingoes – 5 wins
100n80 – 2 wins
Total Points
Dingoes – 5873 (839 average)
100n80 – 5501 (786 average)
Is there an upset in the stats pattern?
This clash will have Dingoes coach Darren Bevan hoping his side can buck the trend of their win battle vs 100n80. Dingoes took out the first 2 meetings quite convincingly. 100n80 turned it around to win clash 3 in unspectacular fashion. Dingoes then managed a narrow 16 point victory, before 100n80 claimed only their 2nd win in 5 outings. Since then it has been all 1 way traffic with Dingoes cracking the first 1000+ score and then winning the last outing.
If history was to repeat, 100n80 should stop the rot and claim only their 3rd win.
Where will the game be won?
Let’s start with the Captains. Both player managed to finish in the top 3. What makes this a little strange is the fact neither started out as the club captain. Cook (79.26) was a late inclusion to the 100n80 squad, while Jake Trbojevich (70.10) was behind former Rule #1 Cameron Smith. These 2 players effectively cancel each other out, so where will this game bust open?
For 100n80 coach Nevan Clarkson, he will be hoping his backs do some damage. He does have RTS who was a Dingo, ready and willing, but will he be able to put the mental burden of being sacked behind him?
Bevan on the other hand will be looking for a mammoth effort from newlywed Kikau. He will also be hoping that Teddy and Mitchell combine for some points this weekend. Nothing like a few try assists to add to the delicious meat pies.