Tough test for undermanned Rhinos

Missing from the side is arguably one of the best batsmen in the league in Andrew Hogan, as well as big hitter Liam Pitts and off-spinner Evan Pocock, who took seven wickets in round 13 (six in the first innings).

Rhinos skipper Brad Todd, whose selection is also up in the air due to niggling injuries, said the changes to the line-up would not be confirmed until after training last night.

‘‘Hoges will miss both weeks, while Liam Pitts and Evan Pocock are away the first week,” Todd said.

‘‘I’m not sure whether I’ll play yet or not either, I’ll see how I go after training.

‘‘We know there will be some changes to the line-up but we have shown that we have had depth in our list throughout this season, so I will back whoever is called up to get the job done.

‘‘We showed last week that we can still post a score if some of the top order don’t play well, with Brodie Bennett scoring a century, so there is confidence in the middle order guys to step up if and when they are needed.

‘‘It would be nice to see us bat a full 80 overs this round which will be a good preparation for the semi in two weeks’ time.’’

Following last week’s loss to Katamatite, the Rhinos now find themselves third on the ladder.

Even though his side could drop to fourth spot, Todd said he wasn’t too worried about where his side finished on the ladder.

‘‘If we win and Katamatite lose (to Cobram) we will go to second, if we lose we could drop to fourth, but the main thing is that we spend time at the crease and bowl well during the game as a lead up to the semi finals,’’ he said.

‘‘The only advantage of finishing higher is if inclement weather comes into play, there’s no home game advantage or anything like that with Cobram and Barooga hosting the finals.

‘‘This is something the league probably needs to look at as it only advantages Cobram and Barooga if they make finals each year.’’

Deni’s Division One side will have the chance to cement their spot on top of the ladder when they face Barooga at home tomorrow.

The Memorial Park clash will be Deni’s first game in five weeks and will kick-off at 1pm.

Division Two will have a tough task in their final game of the home and away season when they face second placed Cobram.

Depending on other results, a win could see the Rhinos jump up to fourth spot on the ladder, which would see all four of the Rhinos teams in finals.

The Rhinos Under 14s will start their finals campaign with a one-day clash against Barooga at Memorial Park on Sunday.

The two sides met in the final round of the season, with the Rhinos recording a 114 run win last week.

The semi final clash will start at 10.30am.