By Jon Geddes

NORTHERN Suburbs’ preparations for Saturday’s grand final qualifier against Randwick at North Sydney Oval have been thrown into disarray with fears stars backs Max Burey and Henry O’Donnell could be called back to Perth by Western Force before the game.

The Super franchise is undertaking a three-game tour of South Africa and Norths are on alert that the talented pair may be told to head west at a moment’s notice this week to train and prepare for the trip.

Six weeks ago, Eastern Suburbs lost a Force player when backrower Will Harris had to go back to Perth and train rather than gain valuable game time in the Shute Shield.

In the meantime, Norths are getting ready to tackle the Galloping Green with one eye on the phone.

Adding an air of intrigue, Norths coach Zak Beer remained tight-lipped and would not comment on the situation when approached by Rugby News.  

But in the back of his mind Beer must be considering contingency plans in the worst case scenario.         

Last year the Force recalled outstanding fullback Burey at short notice after round 18 on the eve of the finals for a training camp prior to their 2023 tour.

He subsequently missed Norths’ charge to the grand final against an impressive Randwick outfit, who won the thrilling premiership decider 17-15.

But a lot of people believe Burey’s absence was a critical factor in Norths’ stumbling at the final hurdle.          

The Force’s tour will include games against the Cheetahs, Emerging Ireland and Western Province.

Of course, the Force are the players’ employers and are entitled to require that they go back to Perth to train for the trip.

But the first game against the Cheetahs is not until October 2, which is five weeks after the Shute Shield grand final.