The Greater Northern Tigers under-16s might be equal top of the Andrew Johns Cup table but that doesn’t mean they are certain semi-finalists.

The Brett Jarrett-coached outfit has won three of its four games so far in what is a five-round preliminary competition and tackles the Western Rams at Gulgong’s Billy Dunn Oval on Saturday 5 February.

However, they could still miss a spot in the play-offs, meaning a victory is crucial this weekend.

Jarrett will reiterate that message when the side trains at Scone on Friday before the team buses it to Gulgong.

“If we lose, we’ve got to rely on other results going our way,” he said.

“We’ve just got to go down there and get the job done.

“It’s always a tough game against Western and they will have a lot to prove, they haven’t won a game yet.

“So, that will make it even tougher.

“Every game has been like that so far, too.

“We need to continue to grind away like we have done.”

He has been forced to make one major change to his side after Guyra five-eighth Brodi Campbell suffered concussion in the win over the Newcastle Maitland Region Knights.

He’s moved Jackson Smith to the six after he starred off the bench as a dummy half replacement for the tough and hard-working Archie Dowden.

“Jackson has added a lot of spark when he’s come on,” Jarrett added.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him start.”

He will form part of a backline that includes talented centre, and captain, Sam Carr as well as outstanding fullback Cooper Meldrum.

Lock Jack Foley has been another star with his high work-rate and ability to play above his weight.

“He’s played every minute of every game so far,” Jarrett said.

“His defence – along with Campbell Munn – in the middle has been phenomenal.”

The under-16s kick off a big day at 10am.

• Geoff Newling

• GREATER NORTHERN TIGERS UNDER-16s: 1 Cooper Meldrum, 2 Charlie Merrick, 3 Sam Carr, 4 Oscar Atkin, 5 Ryan Jurkans, 6 Jackson Smith, 7 Jordan Hamlin, 8 Campbell Munn, 9 Archie Dowden, 10 Rory Barry, 11 Dylan Keane, 12 Zane Groves, 13 Jack Foley, 14 Nicholas Driscoll, 15 Braydon Allan, 16 Isaac Adamthwaite, 17 Luke Marco. Reserves – 19 Josh Smith, 18 Owen Duxbury, 21 Matthew Edwards. Coach – Brett Jarrett

LADDER: Illawarra South Coast Dragons 6, Greater Northern Tigers 6, Monaro Colts 5, Macarthur Wests Tigers 4, Central Coast Roosters 4, Norther Rivers Titans 4, Riverina Division Bulls 4, Newcastle Maitland Knights 3, North Coast Bulldogs 2, Western Rams 0

NSWRL COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Billy Dunn Oval, Gulgong

LAURIE DALEY UNDER-18 CUP

GREATER NORTHERN TIGERS v WESTERN RAMS

Kick-off 11.20am

• GREATER NORTHERN TIGERS: 1 Riley Pennell, 2 Logan Dalli, 3 Kaleb Hope, 4 Corben Hampstead, 5 Jordan Whillock, 6 Junuh Warden, 7 Callum Dowell, 8 Jake Clydsdale, 9 Jacob Whitehill, 10 Jack Grob, 11 Billy Youman, 12 Logan Spinks, 13 Nate Follington, 15 Joash Boney, 16 Brady Roser, 17 Daniel McMillan, 19 Jasper Thistle. Reserves – Mitchell Cox. Coach – Darryl Rando

MEN’S COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP

GREATER NORTHERN TIGERS v WESTERN RAMS

Kick-off 1pm

• GREATER NORTHERN TIGERS: 1 Bailey Taylor, 2 Dylan Lake, 3 Ronin Hadden, 4 Mitchell Hurrell, 5 Harlee Millgate, 6 Liam Foran, 7 Mitchell Doring, 8 Lincon Smith, 9 Scott Blanch, 10 Matt Hay (capt), 11 KC Edmonds, 12 Brett Jarrett, 13 Daniel Hoogerwerf, 14 Mitch Sheridan, 15 Matt Baker, 16 Isaac Austin, 17 Beau Harry, 18 Jacob Button. Coach – Brad McManus

WOMEN’S COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

GREATER NORTHERN TIGERS v WESTERN RAMS

Kick-off 2.40pm

• GREATER NORTHERN TIGERS: 1 Lucy Prudden, 2 Patricia Dixon, 3 Tanika Darcy, 4 Jess Baker, 5 Dayna Porter, 6 Amy Barraclough, 7 Haley Joseph, 8 Gaynor Blackadder, 9 Millie Graham, 10 Jess Robins, 11 Brooklyn Kingdom, 12 Alisa Tunamena, 13 Toni Gale, 14 Paige Anderson, 15 Kristy Toomey, 16 Amarlie Ahoy, 17 Bec Smyth. Coach – Mick Schmiedel

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