I’m probably a big fan of letting Dan start as there will be a lot of nerves and a lot of excitement about getting on the footy field and I don’t want him to waste any nervous energy
- Jarrad Teka
Tumut enforcer Dan Kilian will line up in the Group Nine elimination final on Saturday.
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Kilian hasn’t played since round four, but has received clearance from Country Rugby League officials to return following the conclusion of his Queensland court case.
The front rower was given a three and half year suspended sentence earlier this month after trafficking more than 10,000 ecstasy pills.
However he was given the green light by the CRL this week, just in time for Tumut’s first foray into the finals since 2011.
With plenty of injury concerns after last week’s win over Young, Blues coach Jarrad Teka believes it is great timing for the club.
“We are in a bad patch with injuries so it has come at a good time,” Teka said.
With Gordon Karaitana (ribs) and Tamati Ioane (hamstring) both under injury clouds, Teka is toying with the idea of bringing Kilian straight back into the starting team to tackle Kangaroos.
“I think if Tamati is out we will give him a starting spot straight away,” he said.
“If not we will bring him off the bench.
“I’m probably a big fan of letting Dan start as there will be a lot of nerves and a lot of excitement about getting on the footy field and I don’t want him to waste any nervous energy.”
Tumut haven’t lost of game Kilian played in this season, going four for four before a parole problem restricted the 23-year-old to Queensland.
However Teka doesn’t want to the Blues to change their approach too much with him back in the side.
However, Jake McGrath won’t play after tearing his calf in the win over Young last week with Teka coming in to replace him at lock.
The two teams played out a 28-all draw earlier this season but the Blues have plenty of confidence after knocking off Young last week and are excited at the prospect of hosting a home final.
Young captain-coach James Woolford says justice was served when young gun five-eighth Jesse Corcoran was cleared to play in the qualifying final against Gundagai at Anzac Park on Sunday.
In a timely boost for the Cherrypickers, star halfback Ray Talimalie is also free to play following a four-game suspension for misconduct.
Forward Blake Dunn is a confirmed starter.