Waratahs are one win away from their third straight grand final appearance, but don’t expect to hear much from the Wagga club.
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Chasing their second undefeated premiership in the last three seasons, Waratahs can book their spot in the decider with a win over Ag College at Conolly Rugby Complex on Saturday.
Looking to do so coach Richard Skellern has placed a media ban on the team as they prepare for the big clash.
“They’ve had a week off and they need to focus on what they are doing and I don’t want them disturbed by any media whatsover,” Skellern said.
Skellern said he was taking the pressure off the high-flying side.
He expects the trend to continue if they can make it through to the decider at Conolly Rugby Complex on August 18.
Skellern also refused to be drawn on any questions regarding their rivals this week Ag College.
Aggies farewelled teammate Andy Stanham on Thursday and the Southern Inland community was out in force as hundreds gathered at Beres Ellwood Oval for the 22-year-old’s funeral.
Waratahs come into the clash with their crosstown rivals at full-strength.
They will take in the same side who thrashed Wagga City 140-0 in the last round of the competition and after the week off are fit and ready to fire.
“We’ve got all our players 100 per cent and focused on trying to make the grand final,” Skellern said.
“It is our main goal.”
Big wins have been a feature of their season with few of their games close contests.
It is something of a concern heading into the business end of the season.
“It is hard to prepare and gauge yourself when you have one tough game out of your last four or five,” Skellern said.
“It is like having a backwards step, if you know what I mean, but I believe we focus well and just have to come back and play the best footy we can possibly play.”
Waratahs have taken all before them so far this season and have broken records on the way by scoring almost 1100 points in their 14 wins.
However Skellern expects finals football it bring a different set of challenges.
“The week off has been great for us and it is all very interesting,” he said.
“I was surprised by the Albury-Tumut result and I think it was a bit of a surprise for a lot of people.
“Huge credit to Tumut for getting up over that and they have a big ask this weekend as Leeton as do we against Aggies.
“Finals football is very different football and you have to be focused.
“Finals football brings a lot more passion, a lot more energy and a lot more intensity so it will be an interesting day for Wagga Waratahs club as we have all four grades playing.”
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