Newcastle and Riverina in Laurie Daley Cup Final showdown

The Newcastle Knights Development Squad will look for a clean sweep against the Riverina Bulls in this Saturday’s inaugural final of the Laurie Daley Cup at Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex, Mudgee.

Newcastle coach Mark Morrisey believes that despite not having played the Bulls in 2018, his side have the skills to take home the title.

“Off the back of our record we should be pretty confident but at the end of the day it’s a grand final and anything can happen if you don’t turn up,” said Morrisey.

In the Semi-Finals, the Knights maintained their impressive defensive record where they have conceded only 30 points on their way to the final, but Morrisey believes their completion rates must improve.

“Especially in the grand final, completion rate plays a big part, especially if it’s going to be hot out there, the more time we have with the ball the easier it will be.”

Morrisey said his players to watch are Riley Meyn and prop Neihana Oldham.

Riverina coach Jarrod Crane believes that although Newcastle will be tough competitors, his team are ready for the challenge after their success in the Semi-Finals.

“As a Semi-Final it was good to get the win, that’s the main thing,” said Crane.

“I thought it was a bit scrappy at times but it was hard-fought victory against a tough Greater Northern team.”

Crane says that his players need to improve on the little things that are in their control.

“Trying to minimise our errors and our discipline is definitely something that we need to work on and just our one percenter plays in defence as well, just pushing that extra mile to get it done.”

Crane says the focus is on every player in the team, rather than just individual players that have impressed.

“I won’t single anyone out, I’ll just say that all 17 players need to be doing their jobs in order for us to do our best.”

The Laurie Daley Cup Semi-Finals will take place at Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex, Mudgee; with Newcastle and Riverina kicking off at 1:30pm.

Catch all the Live Stream action on CRL’s Facebook page and crlnsw.com.au from 10:30am Saturday, 14th April.