NELSON BAY coach Michael Wiringi doesn't expect anyone to completely fill the shoes of Chad Northcott.
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The livewire Gropers fly half is a one of a kind.
But Wiringi is confident that new halves partners Charles Fielder and Angus Crockett can take control, starting with the heavyweight clash against an unbeaten Southern Beaches at Medowie on Saturday.
Northcott is sidelined with a quadriceps injury and is not expected back until the trip to Maitland on May 22.
An "eyes-up" playmaker, his absence will cause a slight change in the way the Gropers attack.
"Chad has been battling a quad injury for a couple of weeks," Wiringi said. "We have Lake Macquarie next and then the bye. It's a good opportunity for him to have some time to get it right.
"With or without Chad, I think we need to play to a bit more structure. We can't rely on eyes-up footy all the time. As good as Chad is, we as a whole need to focus on our structure."
That is where Fielder, especially, will come into play. The halfback played second grade last week after returning from the Hunter Wildfires.
"Angus is very skillful but he is only young and trying to tell older guys what to do and where to go can be intimidating," Wiringi said. "Charles will be responsible for directing the guys around the park.
"After being with the Wildfires, he is quicker on the ball and louder with his voice. Just the example he sets at training. Most guys lob at the ground and talk for a few minutes. He is out there half an hour beforehand working on his passing and box kicks."
As well as Northcott, Bay are missing lock Shane Jarvis and breakaway Nathan Oliver. Michael Hotene moves from the centres into breakaway.
"We lose a lot of size and physicality without Shane," Wiringi said.
After going down 24-13 to Wanderers, the Gropers have beaten University 29-5 and Nelson Bay 31-27.
Southern Beaches have won three straight.
"I watched Beaches beat Maitland and they were awesome," Wiringi said. "They were really physical, well structured and well drilled."
Beaches welcome back Adrian Delore to a side that overran Maitland 35-27.
"There were some really good things in the Maitland game and some really poor things," Beaches co-coach Ben Kinkade said.
"The Bay will be a big test for us. If their forwards are getting a share of possession, they can really hurt you."
Elsewhere, Wanderers will be without No.8 Francis Ieremia for the trip to Singleton after he was suspended for five games by the judiciary for striking. Ieremia and Merewether prop Phil Ryan were sent off for fighting in the Two Blues' loss to the Greens in round two. Ryan was outed for one game. However, Ieremia's involvement was deemed a high end offence.
Captain Ben Ham returns in his place.
In other games, University are at home to premiers Hamilton and Lake Macquarie travel to Maitland.
"Hopefully our fitness gets us through."
James Gardiner
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
