Cloncurry were the minor premiers but second placed Townies will go in as favourite after winning their semi final clash at Alec Inch Oval two weeks ago 38-18.

That result forced Cloncurry into an elimination decider against Wanderers on the weekend and they prevailed 32-22 to set up a tasty rematch.

Townies coach Sean Wade did not underestimate the size of the task ahead for his team.

“The Curry are a quality football side and Townies always look forward to playing them, the games are played in the right spirit and nothing much splits the two teams,” Wade said.

“Not making any excuses we have been hit with a number of season ending injuries this year to some of our quality players but that is what goes with playing rugby league”. 

Wade said they were getting some players back so hopefully that will hold them in good stead.

Meanwhile Eagles president Dane Swalling said his side were fully fit and ready to go for Saturday.

“As minor premiers we were disappointed we didn’t have a home but we are ready to have a red hot go this weekend,” Swalling said.

Swalling said the semi final loss was a lot tighter than the 38-18 score would suggest.

“We were good in the first half and in the last 20 minutes of the second half,” he said.

“We just fell asleep in the first 20 minutes of the second half.”

Wade agreed.

“We got the win last time, after a tight first half against the Curry, we hope to start off where we finished off two weeks ago, but really it is anyone's game, he said.

“Well done to all the teams that competed this year, there were a few surprises which augers well for Mount Isa Rugby League in 2019.”

The game is at Alec Inch Oval Saturday at 4pm.

At the time of writing the Mount Isa Rugby League was also trying to set up a curtain raiser game between Normanton and a combined Brothers, Black stars and Wanderers senior side.

North West Star prediction: It will be tight – a lot tighter than two weeks ago, but Townies will just prevail by eight points