AT first glance, all signs in this match point to a Port Pirates victory if this clash is anything like their previous encounters.
Pirates remain undefeated this season and have been the benchmark of the Women’s 10s competition.
The Grafton Redmen are yet to taste success against the competition favourites, but on Saturday, the much-improved Redmen, have a chance to turn the tables when the two sides meet in the major semi-final at Coffs Harbour.
Grafton Redmen head coach Beau Eveleigh admitted he is under no illusions Saturday’s contest will be a tough assignment for his team. But with a full-strength side, and a few tweaks at training, he is quietly confident Grafton can push the competition favourites all the way.
“We’ve played Port three times this year and each time they’ve proven the better side,” Eveleigh said at training during the week.
“The girls have worked hard the last six weeks focusing on our sliding defence and better-quality ball passing so hopefully on Saturday we can put all that into place.
“We will be fielding our strongest side so it should be a great game and a good test.”
Grafton boast a well-balanced side with a willing forward pack, gifted playmakers and speed out wide. But it’s their “tight bond” as a playing group which has driven them to success this year.
“The girls definitely gel as a team,” Eveleigh said. “As like previous years we have a special bunch and it’s pleasing to see the way they have bonded.
“They’re not here for themselves…they’re here for the club and it shows on the field.”
There is no doubting the McHugh sisters, Tamar and Yuri, are gifted players and both have special leadership qualities. But according to their coach, there is more to the team than the talented sisters.
“Tamar and Yuri are special players but in recent games we have seen other players step up,” he said.
“Last game against Hastings we needed the girls to go to another level and they did. Just look at Emily Fennessy, she scored three tries.”
Last time the two sides met was in round 8 where Pirates came away with a 36-14 victory.
“Port scored three soft tries that game. We’ve watched the video over and over so hopefully we won’t make the same mistakes again,” Everleigh said.
