RUGBY LEAGUE
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After starting the weekend with 61 teams the annual NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout is now down to the final four.
Among the contenders for 2013 are local squads the Mindaribba Warriors and Newcastle Yowies.
They will contest semi-finals today at Lakeside Sporting Complex, Raymond Terrace, and if successful they will meet in the decider for the second successive year.
Last time around the Yowies clinched the prize, while a year earlier the Warriors finished on top of the competition. Both teams are once again in the running but to earn a title shot the Warriors must first get past the Armidale-based Narwan Old Boys (10.30am), while the Yowies have to deal with the La Perouse Panthers (9am).
Warriors coach Ron Griffiths has been impressed with the way the team has come together despite a high turnover of players.
“We had a turnover of 12 players this year so we have been trying to find our feet as a footy side,” he said. “We started off a bit slow but it has been coming together quite nicely.”
Griffiths, who looked after the Greta Branxton Colts this season, named Group 21 player of the year Joby Patten, Kurri Kurri Bulldogs lock Jay Stevens and new additions five-eighth Chris Binge and second-rower Gavin Crampton as the stand-out performers for Mindaribba on day one.
The Warriors accounted Wellington (24-16), Walgett (14-6) and the North West Barbarians (16-6) yesterday to progress to the final four.
Other local outfits Wonnarua United and Maitland United were knocked out in the opening round on Saturday.
Monday's main final will kick off at 3pm, while the women’s (1.45pm), under 17s (1pm) and under 15s (12.15pm) deciders will be played earlier in the day.