JUNEE captain-coach Matt Hands is adamant there is nothing sinister about the omission of potent prop Pat Sagigi from the team to take on Tumbarumba on Sunday.
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Sagigi was involved in an on-field incident with a teammate two weeks ago that ultimately led to the front rower allegedly leaving the ground before the game ended.
With the issue the talk of the premiership in the following week, rumours swirled that Sagigi was likely to apply for a clearance to leave Junee.
However, Hands has denied Sagigi’s absence from the clash at Tumbarumba Showground was a direct result.
“He’s actually up in the Torres Straits on a trip that was planned a while ago,” Hands said. “It’s just happened to fall this week.”
Rather than sidestep the fallout from the game against Cootamundra at Laurie Daley Oval a fortnight back, Hands went on the front foot.
“We had a chat and it’s all sweet,” Hands said. “Hopefully he’ll be back playing.”
Sagigi’s departure has coincided with Hands also taking a brief sabbatical.
“I’m away for work this weekend,” Hands said.
“I’ve got to go to the CHS trials so I’m unavailable.
“That’s the reason I won’t be there, but I’ve also got a niggling groin problem.”
Experienced Jordan Walker has been drafted in to replace Hands at five-eighth on Sunday, while Rhys Clemson takes Sagigi’s place in the pack.
For Hands, the unavoidable decision to stand down for Sunday’s game hardly comes at the most inopportune time.
Heading into the confrontation with Tumbarumba, Hands is treading warily.
“It’s a danger game for sure,” he said.
“They’re going really well and will be full of confidence.
“We also know how wet and cold it will be up there.
“The conditions can make it even tougher.”
Setting a firm strategy for Sunday, Hands said the Diesels must “start well”.
“And that’s something we didn’t do last time,” he said.
“We need to be on our game.”
Fresh the bye last weekend, Junee has not played since overwhelming Cootamundra 50-20 at Laurie Daley Oval on May 15.
The Diesels coach made it clear he believes the break from football was not ideal and has put the onus on the team not to have a hangover.
“It’s so important we win our next two games against Tumbarumba and Tumut because we’ve got the general bye for the long weekend coming up after that,” he said.
Centre Brad McCarthy, who is not expected to play again this year, has been replaced by Jeremy Hampton, with Trent Field the new winger.
