Litmus test for Redmen

A GRAND final berth awaits the Grafton Redmen under-19 side today when they tackle minor premiers Wollongbar at Wollongbar.

This major semi-final clash will be a real litmus test for the Redmen, a side that oozes potential, but one that may be guilty of falling short of what some believe that they can achieve.

Especially in the consistency stakes.

And they will have to reverse a sizeable last-round loss to Wollongbar to cement their place in the premiership decider.

Wollongbar look good right across the paddock and especially dangerous in the backs, pace being their chief weapon. With just one loss this season, they will rightfully be confident ahead of today’s match on home soil.

For Grafton however, they will be better for not having the distraction of a number of their key players not having to play in first grade, something that has surely hampered their form this season.

The Grafton side boasts plenty of top-grade experience with the likes of Kyle Hancock, Tom Cox, Keaton Ingram, Billy Hickson and Luke Butler and this should assist the side cope with the big game pressure.

Flanker Dillon Riley and lock Luke McKenzie are two others who have stood out all year and they will be instrumental in Grafton’s attempts to take it right up to the Wollongbar side through the forwards in an attempt to nullify their preferred running game.

The Pioneers will start favourites but Grafton, if they can minimise their mistakes and maintain their discipline, will be right in this game up to their eyeballs.