JUST when opposition clubs may have thought injuries were starting to catch up with Wagga Tigers, in comes another two rising stars.
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Talented teenagers Harvey Daniher and Connor Byrne will both come into the team for Tigers’ clash with Collingullie-Glenfield Park at Crossroads Oval on Saturday.
For Daniher, he counts it as his official first grade debut despite playing seniors for Ungarie since the age of 13.
“It’s a little bit different out there,” Daniher said.
“It’s been a long time coming but I’m feeling good. I can’t wait for it.
“The opportunity to play with my mates was the reason I came to Tigers so to now get the opportunity to do that is a pretty good feeling.”
Daniher has played 11 games for Greater Western Sydney’s (GWS) reserve grade team this year and with their NEAFL bye this week, gets the chance to break into the Tigers team.
The 18-year-old has played across half-back for the Giants and will add some size to the Tigers defensive stocks in the absence of John Anstee.
“It’s a really good side and they have been in good form,” Daniher said of Tigers.
“Collingullie will be coming out with all guns blazing so it’s going to be tough.”
Daniher spent the past two seasons in Melbourne, playing for Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup and Aberfeldie’s under 18s in the Essendon District Football League.
He returned home to Wagga this year and has not given up hope of a chance at AFL level.
“This was the best chance I got given (playing NEAFL with the Giants), so it was a pretty easy decision to move back home with the family,” he said.
“That’s what I wanted to do so it’s been good to get a job, along with all the footy I’m playing, I’m loving being back here.”
For Byrne, his return to Tigers’ senior team comes almost three years after his last first grade game for the club.
Byrne made his debut as a 15-year-old in 2013 before he spent 2014 at Ovens and Murray League club Lavington and last year at TAC Cup team North Ballarat Rebels.
It has already been a busy year for Byrne, playing games for NSW-ACT Rams, the Giants, Mater Dei Catholic College and now Tigers, but he is looking forward to his return.
“It will be good, I’ve played a lot of different footy with teams this year but it will be good to play with my mates,” Byrne said.
Byrne, 18, hopes to be given a chance at AFL level later in the year.
“I didn’t have too bad of a nationals so now I’m trying to finish the year off as best I can,” he said.
Meantime, Wagga Tigers forward John Buchanan will play his 100th game for the club on Saturday.
The Demons have made a number of changes.