STAR Albury lock Lou Goodwin will not be allowed to play against Southcity in Sunday's Group Nine minor premiership decider unless he is "100 percent" fit.
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Thunder coach Josh Cale yesterday made it clear Goodwin would not risked if there was the slightest query fitness concern.
In a serious blow to Albury, Goodwin sustained a shoulder injury when the Thunder lost 16-6 to Gundagai at Anzac Park on Sunday.
Goodwin, who is leading the coveted Weissel Medal vote count, walked off the field in obvious discomfort in the 58th minute of the game - and did not return.
Amid fears he may have suffered a dislocation or a break, Goodwin had a series of tests yesterday before being cleared of any major damage.
The Thunder skipper, however, consulted a physiotherapist yesterday and underwent acupuncture to try to relieve the problem.
Despite the favourable report, Cale yesterday was not about to give Goodwin a clearance to play against the Bulls.
"We won't be risking him if he's not 100 percent," Cale said.
"We'll wait until the end of the week to see how he is."
Cale yesterday stressed the extent of Goodwin's injury could not be fully determined until the swelling on his shoulder subsided.
"He (physio) can't do a lot until the swelling goes down," Cale said.
"I did see a picture of Lou;s shoulder and he has acupuncture needles in it."
One of three casualties from Sunday's surprise failure against Gundagai, Goodwin is sure to push to the limit to play at Greenfield Park on Sunday.
Goodwin is patently aware top spot on the Group Nine table will be the prize for the winner of the critical game.
After leading the premiership ladder all year, the Thunder is now under siege from the Bulls, who have joined the border team on 28 competition points.
Barring a draw on Sunday, the winning team will have outright top spot with one round to go before the finals.
With Albury having the bye in the last week, and Southcity only having to contend with Tumbarumba at Harris Park, Sunday's result will settle the minor premiership score.
Cale admits Sunday's game is "do or die" for both teams, but says the Thunder are not in great shape for the occasion.
"We're the walking wounded," he said.
Aside from Goodwin, back-up hooker Rex Sargeant (shoulder) and dashing centre Chris Seaton (groin) were hurt on Sunday, leaving them under a cloud.
For Albury and Southcity, the chance to claim outright top spot is a significant prize - guaranteeing the team the invaluable home ground advantage for the major semi-final on September 14.
On a personal level, Goodwin will be eager to play on Sunday to get the chance to collect votes to strengthen his claims for the Weissel Medal.
Goodwin is bidding to become the third Albury played to land the Weissel Medal after Brett Gale (1993) and Greg Lynch (2005).
BLOCKBUSTER
Thunder v Bulls
When: 2.30pm Sunday
Where: Greenfield Park
