The stakes are high, but as of yesterday, neither side knew just how high.

Technically, the loser of tomorrow’s match should host Cloncurry in the semi-final, but there are talks in Mid West circles of the Eagles being left out of the Mid West finals.

In a pre-season committee meeting, the clubs voted that should a side forfeit a match during the season, and finish last on the ladder, they would be ineligible for the finals.

After Richmond pulled out of the competition mid-season, this leaves Cloncurry at the bottom of the table.

The Eagles forfeited to Hughenden last weekend, citing a lack of fit players to travel.

But whether they are technically last on the ladder, considering Richmond played in a handful of games early this season, remains to be clarified by Mid West officials.

Normanton Stingers coach Paul Stephens yesterday said his club had sent out an email at the start of the week to clarify the situation, but had received no response from Mid West president Les Carter or secretary Vicki Horton.

“At this stage I don’t know whether Cloncurry are still in the finals race or not,” Stephens said.

If the Eagles remain in the race, the loser of tomorrow’s match will host Cloncurry a week later on July 11 for a place in the Mid West grand final, which is scheduled to be held on July 18.

However, should Cloncurry be out of the race, the grand final will simply be played between Normanton and Hughenden, with the winner of tomorrow’s match to host the grand final.

Just when the grand final is played - on July 11 or 18 - has yet to be determined.

Despite the obvious frustrations, Stephens said his side was looking forward to getting on the park and playing in a “finals-like” match tomorrow evening.

“We’re taking the best possible side of the players which are fit,” Stephens said.

“I’m pretty confident we’ll do well, all the boys are keen.”

The Stingers will have to do it without a large complement of players though, with Sorren Owens (shoulder), Travis Fraser (knee), Jake Randall (broken leg), Davin Crampton (ankle), Glen Smerdon (knee), Wade Richardson (shoulder) and Raymond Rainbow (hamstring) all likely to miss the match.

However, Normanton will have all four Century Mine players available, with Les Henry, Gene Murray, Les Charger and Carl Pickering all named in the 13.

Play at Hughenden kicks off at 5pm tomorrow.