SOUTHCITY captain-coach Nick Skinner has zeroed in on Young’s two most explosive recruits as he plots to keep alive the Bulls unbeaten start to the Group Nine premiership.
After two dominant wins in as many games, Southcity will put its 2-0 record on the line against Young at Alfred Oval on Sunday.
Heading into the much anticipated clash, wary Skinner has taken aim at Young’s high-profile signings Matt Wakefield and Tui Samoa.
“I’m yet to see them play, but everyone seems to be talking them up,” Skinner said on Thursday.
“I’ve heard Wakefield runs hard and straight, and was pretty damaging the other day.
“Apparently Samoa played really well too.
“Obviously they’re blokes we’re going to have to contain.”
Powerful lock Wakefield and hooker Samoa only joined Young in the past two months, but have wasted no time in making a massive impression.
Despite Young blowing an 18-4 lead before losing 30-26 to Junee last Saturday, Wakefield and Samoa emerged from the rubble with glowing reputations.
Wakefield, who was close to unstoppable with the football, and skilful Samoa created such waves they were later selected alongside Skinner in the Group Nine representative team.
For Skinner, Young’s faltering performance against Junee is not a consideration before Sunday’s game.
“This will be pretty tough,” Skinner said.
“It’s always that way when you go across to play them at Young.”
Taking stock of Southcity’s flying start to the premiership, Skinner is adamant the Bulls deserve to be equal competition leaders.
“I thought it was a pretty good win against Tumut (in round one),” Skinner said.
“I suppose it was a bit scrappy against Tumbarumba but I was pleased in the circumstances.”
Two weeks ago Southcity thrashed the Blues 44-16 before crushing the Greens 40-6 on Sunday.
Skinner believes Young will be a more formidable obstacle at the weekend.
“This’ll be a good test for us,” he said.
“It’ll show exactly where we’re at.”
Likewise, the Cherrypickers will be keen to hit back from Saturday’s fading effort in Junee.
Skinner also made a point of nominating Young captain-coach Luke Branighan as a danger on Sunday.
“He steers them around the field and he kicks so well,” he said.
