All hands are back on deck for the Armidale Rams when Glen Innes comes to town tomorrow.
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The Rams have battled a number of injuries to key players in 2015, but are slated to have a fully fit squad to choose from to take on the Magpies.
“That’s something we haven’t been able to say many times this year,” Rams president Terry Carson said.
Defensive linchpin Steve Widders returns to the line-up at lock for the first time in well over a month tomorrow, while strike prop Apakuki Mate is also back after missing last week.
English forward Kenny Lang and utility Mike Ware will also have their first games back after missing extended periods.
Tomorrow’s fixture at Blush Tomatoes Rugby League Park is one the Rams desperately want to win for a number of reasons.
“Glen Innes seem to be our bogey side, so I’d love to get one over them,” Carson said.
“For some reason we always struggle against them and I don’t know why.
“It’s also a very important game for us in terms of making the top four.”
Armidale currently trail the fourth-placed Ashford Roosters by two points.
A win over Glen Innes would likely tie the Rams with Ashford as the Roosters have to travel to Moree tomorrow to take on competition leaders the Moree Boomerangs in a game they are expected to lose.
The Rams went down 56-34 the last time they met the Magpies, but come into this match in considerably better form.
“We are going a lot better,” Carson said.
“Even though we got beaten last week, we played a lot better than we have been.
“We still have a way to go, but we are getting there.”
Carson highlighted Magpie centre Craig Browne and second rower Jeff Moate as the two danger men.