From the Armidale Express, 26/08/2011
New England Nomads quest for grand final glory starts tomorrow when it faces Inverell Saints in a qualifying match in Armidale at Bellevue Oval. The winner will go on to play Tamworth Kangaroos in a major premlinary match the following week with the winner booking their spot in the grand final.

The loser will play the winner of the elimination final between Gunnedah and Narrabri.

The Nomads come off a final round 56 point loss to minor premier the Kangaroos, but were severely depleted for that match with coach Brendan Meehan missing seven main players through injury.

Included in that injury list was dominant ruckman Omphile Temoso, livewire goalsneak Weston Whitby and ball magnet Hamish Ross.

It is expected this trio will play against Inverell with the Nomads expected to field their strongest lineup for the final.

Nomads’ Benjamin Julian, Hamish Pearce, Lachie McLeod ad Jono Frost have each been in strong form and should figure prominently throughtout the match.

Inverell though, will hold no fear playing the Nomads at home. They have only lost once in Armidale in the past five years.

Just four weeks ago the Saints comprehensively beat the Nomads by 63 points in their round 11 match.

Seven days later Inverell showed it is a definite premiership contender after it got within eight points of upsetting Tamworth Kangaroos in Tamworth, in a superb high performance.

Nomads coach Brendan Meehan said his side will take confidence into its match against Inverell.

“I’ve been reminding the boys to be confident for the match,” he said.

“We haven’t got to the finals for no reason. It’s up to us to put together a strong performance.

“We’ll look to play possession footy, move the ball around and hit our targets.He said Inverell’s forward line looms as his side’s danger.

“Inverell has some direct targets up front, particularly in Michael Gould, who can kick bags,” he said.The Nomads are unbeaten at home this season.

Not for reproduction except by permission of the Armidale Express

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