A recharged Gundagai is ready to pounce on the Group Nine finals series.
The Tigers were given a light week after having the bye but captain-coach Cameron Woo is expecting to ramp up preparations for the finals series this week against Young.
Gundagai tackle finals contenders Young and Albury in the final two weeks of the home and away season in a good lead up to the business end of the season.
In a quirk of the draw its the first time Gundagai and the Cherrypickers has met this season but Woo is expecting a tough test at Anzac Park on Sunday.
“It’s a massive game for Young and their season is definitely on the line,” Woo said. “I’m expecting to see Young at their best.
“It is a massive game for us as well as we need to win to keep our spot on the ladder.
“Both teams have a lot on the line so I think it will be a great clash.”
The Cherrypickers need to win their remaining two games to keep their finals chances alive while the Tigers can seal the minor premiership with a win.
Woo is confident centre Mat Rose will be fit after missing almost a month of football with a groin complaint.
Young has injury concerns of their own he’s expecting to take on a full strength line up.
Cherrypickers captain-coach Luke Branighan is one player in doubt, but Woo is preparing as though he’ll be playing.
“They have a lot of strike power and expect them to be at full strength for a game of this magnitude,” he said.
“They have top put it all on the line and while a few guys might be playing a bit injured I’d say they will field their strongest team.”
Woo is yet to decide on his playing future in 2016.
After stepping into the coaching role with the Tigers last year, the job is his for the taking and the 25-year-old is expected to make the decision in the next few weeks.
“I’ve been concentrating on this season so far and I’m sure it will all figure itself out,” Woo said. “The club has given me plenty of time.”
