Mount Isa Rugby League finals time has arrived on the last weekend of August and it’s all over for Blackstars and Brothers.
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But it’s the business end of the season for the four remaining clubs.
After a thrilling finish to the Lewie Fire Premiership home and away season the Cloncurry Eagles clinched top shot by the narrowest of margins from the Normanton Stingers.
Both sides claimed the same number of points but Cloncurry had the better points difference.
Cloncurry have been unbeaten at home all season and now host the qualifying final for a spot in the grand final day on Saturday, September 10 against Normanton.
The Stingers will be eager to avenge their last minute loss to Town on the weekend, which agonisingly deprived them of the minor premiership.
The game kicks off at 6pm and is part of a big free day of entertainment at the Cloncurry Recreation Grounds.
The day starts at 3.30pm with the Under 7s and 9s playing some modified games.
4pm will be the 11s and 13s and at 4.30 the 17s vs Normanton.
Curry captain coach James Baira said his team were in the best possible shape and have trained hard throughout the whole year.
“I think at the back end of the season, that fitness level is definitely going to come in to play,” Baira said.
“Injury wise we aren't doing too bad. Few niggling things, but still lining up on Saturday so hopefully pull through okay.”
Curry will miss forward Tim Wrigley away again for personal reasons, but Damon Paul returns for the time time since round 8.
Baira said he was humbled to receive MIRL player of the year.
“Everyone has made me look good, and this honour could have gone to a number of players on the Eagles team,” he said.
Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell wished his side good luck for the game.
“The team has had a great season so far, so best of luck for the remainder of the season,” Mayor Campbell said.
“I encourage you all to get down to the grounds on Saturday and support them.”
Meanwhile in Mount Isa, last years Grand Finalists Town and Wanderers battle it out for the fourth and last time this year at Alec Inch Oval
The (Cloncurry) team has had a great season so far, so best of luck for the remainder of the season. I encourage you all to get down to the grounds on Saturday and support them.
- Mayor Greg Campbell
Only one team can advance from this all-or-nothing game to week 2 of the finals.
Town have the wood over Wanderers this year having won all three encounters.
However the Devils have beaten Town in the last three times in finals footy.
In 2013 the Wanderers Devils went down to Black Stars. Wanderers have gone on to win the Premiership the last two years. Can they do it again?
The game starts at 4pm.