Two-time Jim Quinn Medallist Chris Gordon and Coolamon utility Connor Neyland were both late withdrawals after the final training session on Thursday night.

Gordon ruled himself out with an Achilles injury, while Neyland failed to get through training with a hamstring problem.

It is the second year in a row Gordon has been a late omission from the representative team.

Riverina coach Matt Hard said there was little he could do about injuries.

“It’s obviously disappointing that the two boys didn’t get up but in saying that, it gives a couple of other boys an opportunity,” Hard said.

“I’m happy we’ve got a fully fit going into Saturday.”

Hard and his selectors named 25 earlier this week and were going to pick three emergencies on Thursday night before the injuries hit.

The other significant selection news from Thursday night was the appointment of Jamie Maddox as captain.

Maddox has been vice-captain to Guy Orton in recent years and has been promoted to the top job for Saturday.

“He’s represented RFL for many years now and the selectors were unanimous in voting for Jamie,” Hard said.

“He’s a well respected leader around the RFL and he’ll do a good job leading by example.”

Maddox is honoured by the appointment.

“I’m very honoured,” he said.

“It’s a massive honour to play rep, let alone be captain, especially given the quality players in the team, and captain and coaches.

“I love rep footy.”

Despite a couple of late withdrawals, and the omission of the competition’s travelling players, Riverina boasts a strong line-up.

Hard wants his team to take the game on.

“Hopefully we’ll have enough run,” he said.

“We want to take the game on, get our hands on the footy and then hopefully we’ll have them for spread.

“Where we’re used to playing on big grounds, they’re used to small grounds so hopefully we can get it out in the open and we’ll look to play a running style of footy.”

Riverina League

B: T Groves, J Toscan, D Kennedy

HB: M Macauley, J Anstee (vc), A Clarke

C: S Flanigan, J Maddox (c), B Rose

HF: J Brooks, J Lawton, H Collins

F: J Kennedy, J Morris, J Buchanan

Foll: B Edyvean, S Creasy, J Kotzur (vc)

Inter: R Chamberlain, M Collins, J Gastin, C Grintell