Peter (Parra) Montgomery

Albury Thunder has been struck with injuries for its first defence of the Group 9 Challenge Cup against Wagga Brothers at Harris Park Wagga on Saturday.

The Thunder ‘won’ the Cup from Young Cherrypickers last Sunday, and have been ‘handicapped’ 60 and a half (+60.5) points against the battling Brothers.

In addition to the handicap – the biggest allocated in the Challenge Cup in the current system – the Thunder has been hit with injuries to key players in the first grade squad.

Co-captain Lachie Munro, and second rower Hugh Duncan will both miss the match through injury, while props Isaac Carpenter and Reece Clegg are unavailable.

Clegg, actually has moved on from Albury with his employment, and his robust forward play will be sorely missed.

The absence of Munro and Duncan has forced a re-shuffle of personnel.

Vili Cerei has been switched from centre to full back, tough tackling Braeden Stephens moves up to front row to partner Nathan Darby and Blake Grounds in the engine room, while the very much ‘in-form’ Brodie Ford takes Cerei’s place in the centres.

Ford has been devastating in Reserve Grade in recent weeks, with his speed and size, and his ability to ‘slip a pass in traffic’, sure to create plenty of opportunities for the attacking style of the team.

The Thunder has opted for a youthful back row, with Jack Harris and Rea Lafai forming a solid combination with Lachlan Hampton and Sebastian Nelson on the left edge, and Milton Amaiu and Ford on the right.

Amaiu scored on debut against Young last week and looks to be a good pick up mid season.

The halves combination of Paul Karaitiana and Osika Kaufononga has been terrific for the Thunder all season, and is one of the best in the competition.

The Club has named Eric Tui, Bailey Muras, and Noah Stead on the bench, and they will be keen to get onto the paddock to strut their stuff.

Brothers are winless so far this season, but have fulfilled their obligations all season, which is a credit to the battling Club.