Leeton have been handed an 11th hour shock with coach Marika Vunibaka ruled out of the finals series.
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The former Fijian international has been deemed ineligible by the Southern Inland board for falling to play the required seven games to qualify for finals.
Vunibaka had played six games across first and second grade, but failed in his plea for dispensation.
While Joe Ratu had his dispensation already sorted following his mid-season return to the club, the Phantoms were left to wait on the fate of three others on Thursday night.
Tino Simeti was granted his for cultural reason but Solomon Fili was also denied.
It means Fili and Vunibaka will be unable to take their place in the qualifying semi-final against Ag College at Conolly Rugby Complex on Saturday.
Leeton president Tim Allen was unimpressed by the decision.
“The Leeton Phantoms club is bitterly disappointed but will be making no further comment,” Allen said.
It is not the first time Vunibaka has made headlines this season.
He was suspended for three games for a sideline incident against Tumut earlier in the season.
Southern Inland rugby manager Jack Heffernan said the ban was not taken into account when determining his eligibility to play finals.
Vunibaka missed the 57-10 loss to Ag College last week while Fili came off early with a knee complaint.
The Phantoms are out to reverse the big loss with the winner to tackle Waratahs for a place in the grand final.
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