Wagga City will go into the preliminary final without two of their most influential players.
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James Curgenven and Monson Tuvale have both been ruled out of the clash against Waratahs at Conolly Rugby Complex.
Curgenven failed to train on Thursday night and won’t take to the field.
The star fullback was injured in a car accident last week which also forced him to miss Wagga City’s win in the minor semi-final.
A lower back issue from the incident, where he was rear-ended, will prevent him from playing.
Coach Michael Kanck thought it was not only a blow for the team, but for Curgenven himself.
“He’s been with us for many years now and is a big part of our club,” Kanck said.
“We have a lot of time and respect for him.
“We’re gutted for him, probably more than for us, as we know what it means to him.”
It has been a dramatic last month for Curgeven, who had to fight to be eligible for the finals in the first place.
Finally given the all clear after having his initial dispensation attempt rejected, he’s now missed two of the three biggest games of the season.
“It’s not his fault,” Kanck joked.
“He’s displeased the rugby Gods by playing rugby league and is paying the price for it.”
Wagga City will also be without Monson Tuvale.
Tuvale was superb in the win over Tumut and will be another big loss.
However the Boiled Lollies have elected to go back to the future and Joe Tora will start at number eight.
“It’s another blow but we have played plenty of rugby this year with Monson and without JC (Curgenven),” Kanck said.
“And they are not new players coming into the team, they’re players who have played many games there this year.
“We know we have some gaps to fill but will take bits out of JC and Monson’s games and try to replicate them.”