Waratah and the Buffaloes engaged in a mini elimination final as the real stuff looms large

The top five finals formula in the Men’s Premier League top has been sealed, or has it?

Nightcliff speedster Ryan Mu is back in the Tigers’ lineup for the clash with Southern Districts at Norbuilt Oval. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

WARATAH and the Darwin Buffaloes will play a mini elimination final at TIO Stadium as they prepare for the serious stuff in a fortnight’s time.

With the door to the top three all but locked following third-placed Wanderers’ win over the Buffaloes last week, both sides will meet in the knockout final at the same ground on February 27.

Only a surprise Wanderers loss to Palmerston tomorrow night and another defeat at the hands of St Mary’s the following week will reopen the door.

Tahs will have to play their part by beating the Buffaloes and upsetting flag favourites Nightcliff in next week’s Battle of the Beaches.

Prolific ballgetter Abe Ankers, spearhead Michael Newton and forward Cameron Arnold return to the side thrashed by Wanderers last week.

The Buffaloes get hard man Michael Coombes back from suspension and Max Kennedy is another important addition to the midfield.

Matt Campbell and Shaun AhMat will miss the game as they prepare for the finals.

Second-placed St Mary’s have named Jack Geary, Tom Gilbert and Will Hams as additions to their side for the 2.30pm clash with the Tiwis at TIO Stadium.

But Geary may have to sidestep COVID-19 regulations to get out of Melbourne for tomorrow’s clash with the Bombers.

A Victorian Government lockdown in the capital means Geary and St Mary’s may need a new ruling from the league to qualify him (four games) for the finals.

Nightcliff will be without first choice ruckman Jackson Bowen (knee) and clever defender Tom Boyd for their trip to Fred’s Pass.

But speedster Ryan Mu (concussion) is back in the side, along with goalkicker John Butcher and utilities Marly McGregor and Hugo Drogemuller.

The Barlow boys, Ed and Michael, who got a combined 62 possessions between them in last week’s win over the fast fading Tiwi Bombers, will miss the 4pm clash.

The Tigers can seal the minor premiership and ensure themselves a week’s rest by beating the Crocodiles on their own turf.

Nathan Djerrkura, Daniel Weetra and Aaron Motlop have been added to a Wanderers squad preparing for the trip to Palmerston’s Cazaly’s Arena.

Their coach Shannon Motlop is keen to win the 7pm clash that will seal the coveted chance despite successive matches against St Mary’s in the next two weeks.

“The plan is to beat Palmerston and take some pressure off ourselves when we come up against Saints the following week,’’ Motlop said.

“We want to get it done now and progress to a qualifying final with a sense of purpose.’’