Hunter rugby union, 2023: Wanderers lose game breaker Nimi Qio for derby against Merewether

Qio, after running from the back of the scrum over three Hamilton defenders to score a try in the Two Blues' 28-22 loss, limped off with what appeared a serious knee injury.

However, scans revealed a grade one strain of the medial ligament and he should miss two games. Will Archer comes in at No.8

"Will has a different skill set to Nimi but his defence is the type we have lacked," coach Trevor Hefren said.

The Two Blues will also be without centre George Ashworth, who received a blue card after a head knock.

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** Hefren has gone old school in terms of the Two Blues' discipline. Hefren has set a threshold of 10 penalties per game. Each penalty past 10 incurs a 100 metre sprint at the end of training. The Two Blues gave away 22 penalties against Hamilton

** Hamilton coach Cameron Murphy might consider similar punishment after the Hawks were penalised three times in the first half for back chat.

** Premiership-winning Hamilton captain Dan Palmer had the joy of presenting son Brendan with his jumper ahead of a Shute Shield debut for the Wildfires against Southern Districts on Saturday.

Palmer is eligible for under-18s and was plucked out of colts to sit on the bench. The electrifying outside back was introduced in the first half as a blood bin replacement for winger Deon Evans and didn't look out of place.

** University have been hit hard by injury with an ankle issue for Dylan Heins extending the casualty list to seven.