By MATT NICHOLLS
ARMIDALE will look to make Rugby League Park a fortress on Saturday when the Rams host Inverell in their first home game of the Group 19 season.
President Terry Carson said it was important to build a strong home ground advantage in a tight competition.
“We want to win every game at home this year,” he said.
“When there’s so much travel it’s important to win as many at home as possible.”
The Rams, who are 1-1 after two rounds, should regain forward Gary Quinlan (wrist) and fullback Hayden Strong (shoulder) for the Hawks match.
Strong’s inclusion will be vital for Armidale, which lacks depth in the backline.
The Rams hammered Inverell by 90 points last time the two sides met in Armidale, but Carson said the game would be much closer on Saturday.
“Any side coached by Pete Stevens is hard to beat,” he said.
Stevens led Gwydir to the grand final last season.
Meanwhile, Uralla hosts its second home game of the year on Saturday, with the Tigers to face the Moree Boars.
Although Uralla has yet to win a match this season, they were a position to win both games and will start favourites against the Moree side.
The Armidale match will kick off at 2.30pm, while the Uralla first grade match starts at 3pm.
