The former premiership star was included for their game against Coleambally as soon as he confirmed his availability on Thursday night, and Wooden expects he’ll bring plenty to a team looking to bounce back from a first-round loss to Marrar.

“Just his toughness on the ball,” Wooden said.

“I’d seen him play a bit before he left but he’s lost about 10 kilos since then. He’s quick, too, but it’s mainly his toughness around the ball. He hates getting beat, and he has worked in well with the Canberra boys (in practice matches) so it’ll be exciting.”

Wooden was disappointed in their effort in key areas last week and wants that rectified at Coleambally.

“More of an effort around the contest,” he said. “That’s a big area where Marrar got up on us – around the contest and their spread off it. We allowed them to get that easy ball out so we’re working extremely hard on making sure we don’t let players get on the outside of us.

“We’ve addressed it this weekend and hopefully we can rectify at Coly. We’re expecting a hard game – they’re 10 times better at home.”

Temora are without an established ruckman with Anthony Atkin out with a minor knee problem while Chris Stacey (soreness) is a late withdrawal from the named team.  Chase Grintell is also set to miss with a groin strain. 

Forwards Mark Breust and Mitch Haley are likely to share most of the ruck duties.