USC Barbarians lose key grand final players to wedding commitments

University Barbarians have been dealt a cruel hand on grand final eve with several key players to be unavailable for Saturday’s big dance due to weddings. What would you choose?

USC’s Mitch Portors is set to be unavailable for Saturday’s grand final as he’s a groomsman for a best mate’s wedding.

University Barbarians’ premiership hopes have been thrown a curve ball with two key players to be unavailable due to wedding commitments.

Coach Brad Tronc confirmed the club would be without vice-captain Mitch Portors and lock Callum Smith for Saturday’s grand final against reigning premiers Noosa Dolphins.

Tronc said both players would be attending separate weddings.

He said another player had been ruled out from Barbarians’ reserve grade side to the same wedding Portors was attending.

“It’s just unfortunate timing with Covid-19. Technically the season should be over so the weddings would have been after the season,” Tronc said.

“But we have built our squad depth all year so I have full trust in the guys who will come in.

“It’s not all doom and gloom and we are fairly close to settling on our side.”

Tronc said it was a shame for a club stalwart like Porters to miss out on such a big occasion.

He said Porters was a groomsman for one of his best mates’ weddings.

“He’s been at the club for 15 years, been captain of the club, he’s a big loss. Cal Smith has been playing well too,” he said.

“Mitch has had a really big year, losing his father. I know he would have loved to be out there.”

Noosa advanced to the grand final with a 31-8 win over Maroochydore Swans while USC had enjoyed the weekend off.

Saturday’s grand final kicks off from 3.30pm at University.