North Wagga will be missing a mountain of experience against Charles Sturt University on Saturday with coach Kirk Hamblin (calf), co-captain Luke Walsh (calf) and assistant coach Lachlan Steward (groin) all out.
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The trio pulled up sore after the win against East Wagga-Kooringal but Hamblin hopes they can be back within a fortnight.
It makes the return of assistant coach Guy Ward important, after 11 weeks out with a troublesome ankle, as the Saints prepare for a desperate and dangerous CSU.
"We found out last time we played them that they're a decent team," Hamblin said, referring to a narrow escape back in round four.
"When they get a bit of momentum they really carry that through and once they're up and about they're a hard team to stop. It's about minimising the impact when they have the momentum and making sure when we have it, we capitalise."
To that end, they've brought up Josh Campbell who's kicked 39 goals in reserve grade, including 16 in one game.
"He's been kicking a lot of goals in reserves," Hamblin said.
"He didn't do a pre-season but he's done everything right the last eight weeks and it's probably no surprise that we're looking for another forward who can jump at the footy and give us a bit of x-factor and he's that forward."
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