GROUP NINE
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GROUP Nine selectors have launched an urgent search for an imposing front-rower following the shock withdrawal from the All Stars team of Albury skipper Josh Cale.
- GALLERIES: Indigenous All Stars, Group Nine All Stars
In a blow to the Group Nine All Stars 10 days out from the border clash with their Indigenous counterparts, Cale and Tumut playmaker Josh Toohey have "pulled out" of the team.
Group Nine All Stars captain-coach Luke Branighan yesterday revealed the omission of Cale and Toohey had forced selectors to start looking for quality replacements at short notice.
Branighan said losing the two players would make finalising the "starting 13" even more difficult.
"Obviously we still have to finalise a few positions," Branighan said.
"We need to bring in two players and we only have one training session (left)."
Minus Cale and Toohey, the Group Nine team trained in Wagga on Wednesday, with Branighan intent on working up combinations between key players.
"Pretty much it was all about our attacking structures," Branighan said.
"I'm trying to make it as easy as possible for the players.
"I didn't waste any time on fitness work as the players have been training hard with their clubs.
"We'll do more on the attacking structures next week and a bit of defence.
"It's just a matter of getting the combinations right."
For Branighan, the loss of Cale and Toohey is a savage blow as they would have provided much-needed muscle and finesse respectively to the team.
Despite the setback, Branighan said preparations for the annual duel with the Indigenous team at Greenfield Park tomorrow week had not been seriously disrupted.
Branighan yesterday silenced talk he would assume purely a coaching role for the game.
"I'll definitely be playing," he said.
"I'm also planning to have a 15 or 20-minute run for Young in a trial against Cowra on Saturday."
With Branighan set to start at five-eighth, the heat is on Luke Barry and Sam Elwin to land the spot at halfback.
Barry was freely tipped to grab the seven jumper, but Branighan is adamant no decision had been made.
"We're still tossing it around," he said.
"Just who starts where won't be settled until next week."
Branighan yesterday made it clear he had no clear preference between Elwin and Barry.
"They are both fantastic ball runners," he said.