By MARK CASHMAN

The Hunter Wildfires hosting the front running Gordon side was always going to have its fair share of banter with the Coleman brothers – Scott and Darren – going at it much like their backyard footy games that played out many moons ago.

Well it hasn’t disappointed with the younger brother (Scott) throwing out a series of good natured jibes and setting a number of booby traps for the older brother (Darren) when he stays at his Newcastle home on Friday night.

Opposition coaches being matey is not unusual but it is irregular when they stay the night before a game in the home of the one whose downfall they are plotting.

The whole Coleman clan is coming together for a dinner and catchup from all points on the globe (Forbes and South West Rocks) on the Friday night at Scott’s place.

All in all there will 13 extra bodies on Friday night and when Rugby News spoke to Wildfires boss ‘Bubba’ Coleman in the lead up to Saturday’s 7TWO match of the round he was unsure of how the head count and the bed count would match up.

“I’m not too sure where Darren is sleeping at the moment – he might be out the back outside with the dog,” the younger Coleman said.

“The brothers reckon that I should slip him a ‘mickey’ in his beer on Friday night to try and take the edge off the way that he coaches on Saturday but we’ll just have to see.

“Anyway it will be great to have him in town. I’m not sure what time his flight on the private jet gets in but we will see him when we see him.”

On a slightly more serious front ‘Bubba’ says the Wildfires will have to throw something completely different at a Gordon side that is in form and rightly considered the favourites for the title.

“Darren’s a bit of video Nazi and he will know everything that we have done so far this year so yes we will have to throw something different at them to stay in the fight,” he said.

“We know that we can match it with them physically but when teams get the speed of their ruck ball up that is where we struggle.

“But as I have spoken about all week at training we’ve got absolutely nothing to lose. We will got out there and give it a crack.

“We’re the Datsun 180B taking on a Ferrari – looking forward to the weekend.”

Brother Darren is well aware of the challenges of the weekend.

“Be an interesting weekend staying with the opposition coach. I’m sure there’ll be traps and hazards throughout the lodgings just like game day,” Darren said.

“The Wildfires will need to be extinguished early otherwise it will be a very tough game if we allow them to stay alight and in the game.

“Looking forward to returning to Newcastle mostly for the free post game beer provided by the losing coach – been a very long time since he’s shouted.”

This is the first of four games for the Highlanders on the road and the big drive norths is sure to present its challenges.
Gordon have tweaked their team this week a little, thru some minor injuries but as ’DC’ says they are expecting good energy from the new faces getting their chance.

Rodney Iona will lead the side with Jordy Goddard on the bench.

“Rodney has proven himself to be an excellent tactician since arriving and the boys respect and trust him to make the right decisions,” Darren added.

HUNTER WILDFIRES (1-15):
David Puchert, Phillip Bradford, Nicholas Dobson, Adam Edwards, Sevanaia Rokobara, Ben Ham, Shawn Ingle, George Noa, Mahe Fangupo, Michael Moloney, Rob Buserau, Taulogo Lalaga, Carl manu, Nimilote Qio, Chad Northcott.

GORDON (1-15):
Brandon Faavae-Eli, Mahe Vailanu, John Bosco Tagaloa, Ola Tauelangi, Peter Chanel Tagaloa, Jack Maguire, Tom Silk, Brendan Mitchell, Harrison Goddard, Rod Iona (c), Brandon Quinn, Ellis Abrahams, Tautalatasi Tasi, Mark O’Dare, Reece McDonald.

LAST TIME: not applicable

IMAGE: STEWART HAZELL