DUAL Albury Thunder premiership player Jon Huggett will make his first appearance of the Group 9 rugby league in reserve grade at Tumut tomorrow.
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Huggett has missed the opening four rounds due to work commitments and looks set to add even more firepower to the reigning champion’s pack in coming weeks.
His return could be timely, with Jake Grace facing weeks on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury against Cootamundra last weekend.
Coach Josh Cale said of Huggett yesterday: “It will be good to see him out there again on Sunday.
“He will obviously be a bit short of match practice and will need to get his fitness up, but he’s a good player and is going to be very handy for us.”
Albury Thunder could hardly have been any more impressive in demoralising the Bulldogs last weekend and looks set to bring more misery to winless Tumut.
The Blues have lost their opening three matches 41-30, 82-4 and 96-12 to become the odds-on favourites to collect the wooden spoon under co-coaches Matt Free and Greg Crampton.
“Tumut has obviously been struggling a bit but we still need to go up there with a good attitude and get the job done,” Cale said.
“They have some good kids and are a proud club.
“Our second-half was good against Cootamundra and it’s all about building and improving each week.”
Albury Thunder will be eager to build momentum ahead of their eagerly-anticipated showdown against Southcity at Harris Park next weekend.
Five-eighth Willie Heta is likely to be primed for a big performance after being overlooked for a spot in the Riverina team.
Heta dominated last weekend’s trial match against Group 20 but selectors were unable to find him a position alongside Thunder teammates Mitch Davis, Ben Jeffery and Lou Goodwin.
Elsewhere, Gundagai takes on the Bulls, Temora does battle with Kangaroos, Cootamundra faces a danger match against Tumbarumba and Brothers host Young. Junee has the bye.