Wagga Tigers to be boosted by return of key players from injury

Charlie Bance (hamstring) has indicated he will be fit for the Tigers' scheduled clash at Collingullie-Glenfield Park on Sunday, although there is a strong chance the last round will be scrapped should the statewide lockdown be extended as expected.

Ruckman Tom Osmotherly (shoulder) is also a chance to return this week, but in the worst case scenario should be back for finals, while forward Brady Morton (vertigo) has recovered after missing Saturday's loss to Turvey Park.

If the last round isn't played on Sunday the Tigers will retain third, but if it proceeds they would need to beat the Demons to guarantee the second chance in finals.

But coach Murray Stephenson said they're keen to play this weekend.

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"We just have to prepare like we're playing, until we're told otherwise it's business as usual," Stephenson said.

"That (holding third spot) is probably a result of doing the work earlier. Although we didn't get the wins straight off the bat, we had a good period where we played well week-in, week-out to put ourselves in that position."

The pending return of Osmotherly is viewed as critical by most if they are to be a big threat in finals.

"We've got an injury list which consists of some of our senior players," Stephenson said.

"A break may be a silver lining if we have a week off. However we're not sitting there crossing our fingers hoping we don't play, we want a game this week.

"He (Osmotherly) is probably our most important player in terms of how we line up, we want to give him as much chance as possible."

Will Keogh is unavailable for the Tigers after he was concussed against the Bulldogs, while Josh Staines (knee) is also out.

If the last round is played on a Sunday, a loss by the Tigers (9-6) would open the door for Coolamon (8-6), who will start strong favourites at Narrandera, to grab third spot.

A Demons win would lock down a top five spot, ending Turvey Park's hopes.

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