THROWING caution to the wind, Young captain-coach Luke Branighan will play through the pain to try to keep the Cherrypickers alive as a Group Nine finals candidate.
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Branighan has revealed a persistent calf muscle injury will not be fully recovered before a critical showdown with Gundagai at Anzac Park on Sunday.
“We need to win this game, so I’ll be playing,” Branighan said.
“No, I won’t be 100 per cent, but I’ll try to get as close I can.
“I’ve got nothing to lose. This is what you have to do.”
Heading into the duel with the Tigers, Branighan’s attitude is a clear reflection of Young’s dire situation in the closing fortnight of the home and away season.
Young is currently hanging precariously in equal fifth place with Albury on 20 points, but, in reality, is sixth on percentages.
Branighan knows the score, and is banking on Young toppling the first (Gundagai) and second-place (Junee) teams in successive weeks to give his team a shot at finals glory.
“If we can win (on Sunday) it will all come down to the last game (against Junee),” he said.
“We can’t afford to lose either of them (games).
“Obviously Albury had the bye this week and has to play Gundagai in the last game.”
For Young, the news that Branighan will definitely lead the team against the Tigers is a huge relief, especially coming after an eventful period.
In a double blow, the Cherrypickers have lost key players Matt Murray and Isaac Maliota for the rest of the season.
While nippy Murray has succumbed to injury, Young has granted Maliota a release on compassionate grounds.
“Isaac won’t be coming back,” Branighan said.
“It’s made it tough for us.
“He was the big bloke we needed.”
Branighan, who has missed three of Young’s last four games because of leg problem, will slot into his playmaking role in the halves on Sunday.
And despite the tightrope walk to even make the finals, Branighan rates Young as a contender.
“I think we could give it (title) a crack from fifth,” he said.
“I’d love to win something here (Young).”
Counting down to Young’s date with destiny on Sunday, Branighan’s coaching future surprisingly remains uncertain.
“I haven’t done (signed) anything yet,” he said.
“We’ll just see what happens.”
Significantly, Branighan expects lock Carl Planicka to tackle the Tigers after sustaining a groin injury in Sunday’s 58-16 victory over Tumut.
“Carl’s a fit bloke and will do all he can to play,” Branighan said.
The Tigers will be formidable opposition, having won their past six and not actually lost since round five.