North Wagga fullback Dave Karlberg in doubt for do-or-die semi final with calf injury

“Right now, I’d say I’m no chance for next week,” Karlberg said. 

“I’ll go and see the physio on Monday and hopefully he can fix it with a push and a prod but I can’t do a single leg calf raise on it at the moment.”

Saints co-coach Chad Hamblin was full of praise for the job his fullback did on TRYC spearhead Andy Carey but said losing Karlberg was only one factor in the loss.

“We had our chances in the third and then in the last they kicked away; big Carey was unstoppable in that last quarter.”

While pleased to match the Magpies for much of the game, Hamblin was left cursing poor execution and decision-making.

“Probably two or three or four times we didn't give the first option, instead we tried to kick a goal out of our backside.

“That was probably the most disappointing thing all day... we went away from that team footy and started playing pretty selfish.”

Hamblin said North Wagga will go back to working on the fundamentals after learning the hard way that they won’t get away with too many turnovers in finals.

“We're lucky we've got the double chance... whether we can improve a hell of a lot in the next week is to be seen,” he said.

Midfielder Mitch Mullins is also a concern after injuring his ankle.