**Balmain Ryde Eastwood Tigers Vs North Sydney Bears Game Preview**
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North Sydney Bears coach Wayne Lambkin has named an unchanged line up from their 35-8 qualifying final victory over the Cronulla Sharks. Lambkin has what every coach dreams of when his side is about to play a preliminary final, a NIL in the injuries column.
For the Tigers, coach Paul Fletcher has opted for Matthew Ryan in the centres in place of Brett Lane in an effort to inject some size into the backline. The battle will be an intriguing one in the front row with **recently crowned NSW Cup Player of the Year David Gower** and Al Schirnack taking on the experienced Bears combination of Chris Trembath and Garret Crossman.
Both Schirnack and Gower were elevated to the NRL by Tim Sheens this season and will be looking to cement a first grade spot next season. For the Bears it is a case of stopping the Balmain go-forward thus nullifying the effect Josh Lewis can have on the game while Balmain must smother the Bears’ lethal halves combination of Justin Hunt and Jarryd Hogan if they want to make the 2009 NSW Cup Grand Final.
**Results this season**:
Round 10 – North Sydney 18 defeated Balmain Ryde 6 @ North Sydney Oval
Round 16 – Balmain Ryde 31 defeated North Sydney 18 @ Leichhardt Oval .
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Going on this years round results, it looks like the only thing seperating these teams is home ground advantage….this final IMO, will be closer than the 12 or so margin in previous games this year.
Needing Leoroy Bennett to have another Captain's knock , as he was very impressive last week in defence and taking pressure of the hookers. Hoping the Willie & Al Show to continue, as Big Al was my man of the match last Sunday.Matty Ryan & Flecther was great in defence, and I feel they both are set for another great game.
Fans going to Leichhardt, get set for a heart stopping finish, where the goalkicking could be the difference....CT, fire up the Lollyleg crew on the hill mate......and bring your heart pills.