Rugby league’s showpiece carries the motto, ‘mate against mate, state against state’ and it’s like a State of Origin showdown with Tassell, Albury’s leading wicket-taker, facing teammates when he represents his hometown.

“I’ve been going back for probably the last six years,” Tassell said.

“Even when I was playing in the Wagga comp, I still went back and played for Temora.

“Other rep teams I’ve played for Cricket Albury-Wodonga, but in Temora there was so much emphasis placed on O’Farrell Cup.”

The speedster’s comment will delight Riverina officials after the 94-year-old competition suffered two recent forfeits from Cootamundra and West Wyalong.

“It’s some of the blokes who are still playing like Pete and Mark Stimson, Peter Gerhard, blokes like that who are still playing really well and it’s a credit to them,” Tassell said.

However only Peter Stimson will line up on Sunday.

Peter Gerhard has decided to take a step back while Mark Stimson is unavailable for the clash.

Temora captain Luke Gerhard admitted he’ll be a big loss to their batting order.

“Mark Stimmo is probably one of our best bats,” Gerhard said.

“It’s a shame not to have him but it’s holiday time for him every year so it was just unlucky that we couldn’t get him.”

However Temora will have plenty of bowling stocks.

Reigning Brian Lawrence Medal winner Max Harper and Riverina representative Nick Grant will be vying to take the new ball along Tassell, who is enjoying his best season on the border.

The 26-year-old has 33 wickets at an average of 9.80 across all competitions.

Tassell will tackle Panthers’ teammates Ryan and Nathan Brown, and Sam O’Connor.

It will add plenty of spice to the clash.

“’Tass’ is one of the best bowlers in the league, so I’m certainly excited to hopefully face him,” O’Connor said.

Tassell admits there will be sledging at Les Cheesley Oval.

“But it will be very light-hearted,” he quipped.

Albury have been dominant since taking the cup off Holbrook in December after entering the competition for the first time in 13 years.

Gerhard knows it is a big task to head to down to the border and come away with the spoils

“It would be unreal to be able to do that,” he said.

“They are going to be a quality team and we will have to be at our best, plus some, to be able to beat them.

“It will be a good challenge to see where country cricket is at.”

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