INJURIES and player unavailability have ravaged Leeton's start to the season but first time coach Liam Ward is hoping the worst is behind the side ahead of the derby clash with Griffith at the Coro Club Ground tomorrow.
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The Blacks started their season with a bang, overpowering Ag College to ensure their season started on a winning note before the Easter break.
The win was Griffith's first in Wagga since 2010 but meanwhile, just across town, a depleted Phantoms outfit were getting hammered by Wagga City 64-15.
The Phantoms were missing seven first graders against the Boiled Lollies and in an ominous sign, only nine first graders where at training on Tuesday night.
Captain Jaryd Pattison remains in doubt through injury but in some good news Dennis Feagai and Tino Simeti will return, giving the Phantoms some much needed size to tackle the big Griffith outfit.
"Griffith are a very tough team, they like to get physical and are coming off a pretty good win against Ag College and are travelling pretty well," Ward said.
"They have a big, strong forward pack and are pretty strong all across the field.
"Plus it's a local so there is always a little bit of spite and it is tough football."
Braiden Byrnes will get his opportunity to play in the front row for the Phantoms after turning 18 yesterday, adding some bulk to the Phantoms forwards.
Ward believes Byrnes has a bright future in the sport, now that he is eligible to play in his preferred position and is looking for his forwards to try to match the Blacks' physicality something Ag College were unable to do.
One positive sign for Ward is the return of Feagai to inside centre who will have the task of lining up on former Fijian international Marika Vunibaka who was brilliant in his debut for the Blacks.
"Dennis Feagai is a big, big hitter so hopefully he will be able to mix it up with him," Ward said.
