Penrith District Rugby League: Heavyweights collide, Emu Plains vs Windsor preview

Almost a year has past since Emu Plains downed Windsor in the grand final. Now, in an eagerly awaited top of the table clash the Wolves are ready for redemption. Preview, coaches verdict.

(L-R) Alex Myles and Connor Mason are set to play crucial roles when Emu Plains host Windsor in the R11 top of the table clash. Pictures: Warren Gannon Photography

Windsor Wolves coach Troy Dargin wants to move on, but the heartbreaking final moments of last year’s grand final are always there.

Down by six and with the Emu Plains defence shot, Windsor were dealt a savage hand by the footy gods and any chance of advancing to extra time.

Now 10 months on, Dargin’s men are primed to get square.

“There was certainly no fun in losing the grand final, but we’re done with thinking what may have been and have definitely moved on,” Dargin said ahead of the round 11 Don Feltis Cup clash at Heber Park.

“Windsor hasn’t beaten Emu Plains in a long time, so we are desperate to get the monkey off our back.

“Both teams have the ability to go the distance. Our boys need to prove they are the real deal, and tuck the chin in for the entire 80 minutes.”

Since rain washed away the round one rematch, both sides have dominated the competition. Eerily similar stats show there’s nothing between the sides.

Both have torched their opponents, averaging 41 points per match. In defence, Emu concede just over 10 points per outing compared to Windsor’s 11.

According to Dargin, there’s similarities beyond the numbers.

“Both have similar body shapes in the middle,” the Windsor coach explained of the two sides who contributed a combined 13 players in the recent Luke Lewis Cup rep match.

“Eton Lindsay (Windsor) and Thomas Romer (Emu Plains) both play hard for 80, then there’s guys like Aidan Ryan (W) and Sam Cookson (EP) who are similar. In the halves we have Connor Mason and they have Isaac Thompson – who has been in great form.

“Backing a winner is almost impossible. But what is clear, it’s the most anticipated game of the year and it deserves a big crowd. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s decided by something silly in the closing minutes.”

Windsor goal kicker Tori Willie has been in fine form with the boot in recent weeks. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography.

On the other side of the fence, Emu Plains coach Darren Bell shared similar thoughts.

“There will be a decent crowd, because even the reserve grade sides are first and third on the ladder,” said Bell.

“Our home crowds have been good this season. The locals have been coming down and getting right into it.

“We’ll also have a couple of our junior teams down there watching how the boys prepare and making a guard of honour as they run out. Everyone is excited.”

Emu Plains captain Thomas Romer takes on the Wolves in last year’s grand final. Picture: Steve Montgomery

Having picked up several recruits and fine tuned certain aspects of their game, Bell said the reigning premiers have no time for complacency.

“We are all about going back-to-back, and I know we are a better side than last year,” the Emu Plains coach said.

“The boys just love defending and are happy to work for each other. Windsor will test us, and by the end both sides will know where they stand.”

“These are the games you want to play, and aside from the grand final this will probably be the game of the year.”

Having been blessed by the footy gods last year, Bell has been around long enough to know there’s no such thing as a certainty.

“Holding the ball helps. But this one could come down to the bounce of the ball or who gets the rub of the green.”