SPECIAL NAIDOC Week jerseys, Gulaga dancers, a Welcome to Country by Steven Luff and Warren Foster playing didgeridoo will be a highlight at the rugby league this weekend.
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The Bega Roosters will take on the Eden Tigers, with all four Bega teams showing their colours and pride on Sunday.
The club said it was delighted to participate in NAIDOC Week celebrations in recognition of Indigenous players.
Club president Garry Arkin said it will be a big challenge for the first grade squad.
“The Roosters were humbled by the Moruya Sharks last weekend,” Apps said.
“They also came out of the game with injuries to several players and headed by captain-coach Ryan Apps.”
Craig Matthews, Scott Fuller were also injured, while Adam Blacka and Grant Jessop were late withdrawals from last week’s game.
Apps is named in the squad, but the club was not sure if he would run on.
“At the time of going to press, the Roosters line-up is yet to be finalised,” Arkin said.
Arkin said Eden were a stark contrast, coming fresh off a bye and having a number of key players fit and ready.
The Roosters bested Eden last time they met and again will be looking to the swift James Bower-Scott and Marty Scott-Thomas.
The forwards will be under pressure.
“The Roosters six can again expect a torrid battle upfront and Mitch Carter has been revelling in the centre of the action in recent games,” Arkin said.
He has plenty of support from Hayden Parbery and Jarrod Tamatea is getting better week-to-week.
“We’ve also had a shot in the arm with Joe Rokoqo and Kurtis Tueila off the interchange adding strike power.”
Meanwhile, in the reserve grade, it was the Roosters causing an upset when they knocked over the Sharks last weekend.
However, Eden’s reserves lead the competition without a loss this season.
“The Tigers are unbeaten and Steven Luff, Dennis Scott and Shannon Gilmour know that the Roosters will need to be at their mistake free best to get the points,” Arkin said.
Bega’s big men in Dayne Burton and Luke Hoskins could be a deciding factor in the game.
Jye Britten and Andrew Aldridge were also big contributors for the club last week.
In the league-tag match up, the Bega Chicks are looking to close out a perfect season.
“The Chicks are in ominous form,” Arkin said.
Hayley Jessop, Chianne Long, Kelsea Tarlinton, Taelar Williams, April Alcock and Fiona Holmes have all been stepping up their game.
Meanwhile, the squad’s freshest recruits have been feeding off the experience of the likes of captain Joccoaa Rogers and Tegan Mundy.
However, Eden will be eager to put a win on the board.
“The Eden girls will be hoping for an upset as they are desperate to keep their final four hopes alive.”
The under 18s Roosters are undefeated so far and will aim to keep it that way against the Cooma Colts.
“These two top young sides will provide a great start to a great day of rugby league,” Arkin said.
Jye Aldridge, Declan Bower-Scott and Jye Britten have all been working hard for the Roosters and will set up plays.
“Coaches Grant Dowdle and James Scott will be making sure the side is in the right frame of mind to maintain their unbeaten record.”
Play starts from 10.30am at the Bega Rec Ground on Sunday.
League-tag starts at noon, reserves from 1pm and the main event first grade kicks off at 2.30pm.