Ghosts' acid test | Clarence Valley Rugby League | NRL Rugby in Clarence Valley

NO HALF MEASURES: Dan Roberts has stepped into halfback in Ryan Farrell's absence and handled the pressure with aplomb. He could be asked to play there again on Sunday.

The Daily Examiner

Poll

Who will win, the Magpies or the Ghosts?

This poll ended on 03 July 2009.

Magpies

53%

Ghosts

46%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

THE Grafton Ghosts are determined to break their Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League top-five drought when they face the Lower Clarence Magpies at the Yamba Sports Complex on Sunday.

Sitting comfortably in fourth position on the ladder, the Ghosts have only lost three games this season.

But tellingly, all have been against main title contenders Mullumbimby, Byron Bay and Northern United.

It is a scenario Ghosts first grade coach Col Speed wants to rectify when his team contests the Terry Randall Trophy against the high-flying Magpies.

“We haven't beaten a top-five team this season, so we really have a point to prove to ourselves,” Speed said.

However, the Ghosts' mission has been dealt a blow with captain Ryan Farrell expected to again miss through injury.

It would be Farrell's fourth game in a row on the sidelines, but with the return of injured stars Mitchell Wicks, Carson Galloway and Shaun Davison, Speed is ready to unleash a near full strength team on Sunday.

“This game means a lot to us,” Speed said.

“We took the trophy home last year and we will be out to win it again.

“Both teams have a lot of respect in their communities and you can take a lot of pride from winning this game.”

In yesterday's Daily Examiner rugged Magpies prop Matt Michael launched a stinging attack on the Ghosts, claiming their forward pack lacked potency.

Whiled Speed refused to buy into a tit-for-tat exchange, he said Michael was entitled to an opinion.

“But I know what my forward pack is worth and I wouldn't change it for the world,” he said. “We prefer to take care of our own backyard than worry about what the Magpies are doing.”

However, Speed was more than upfront when describing the Magpies' rise to the top of the NRRRL ladder.

“Magpies coach Dallas Waters has obviously done his homework,” he said.

“You only have to look at their for and against to see they are a really great attacking team with a good defence.”

Speed said Lower's brilliant form in the first half of the season put all the pressure on the home side this Sunday.

“They'll have a bit more pressure on them because they are out on top,” he said.

“We won the trophy in Yamba last time and it is a happy hunting ground for us.”