LOCAL bragging rights again go on the line on Sunday when the Moree Boars and Moree Boomerangs clash at Boughton Oval.
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Boars coach, Wayne Hetherington, said his side took a lot out of the last encounter with the Boomerangs when they trailed 42-6 at half time.
"They started like a house on fire," he said.
"They hit the ground running and before we were even in the match it was half time. It's important for us to be somewhere near them this weekend."
The Boars will look to bounce back from last weekend's 20-12 defeat at Inverell which left them clinging to fourth spot on points difference while the Boomerangs continue to set the pace at the top.
"They're the premiers, the Domestic Violence Cup winners, the group winners. They're the number one deal," Hetherington said.
He acknowledged the absence of several key players this weekend would make life tough for his side.
"Holt Cubis, Sam Armstrong, Ben Williams and Dave Reading all won't be there," he said.
"But we've faced a lot of adversity already this year."
Boomerangs coach, Chris Binge, said his side would be wary of a Boars side that have shown glimpses of their best throughout the season, but have been unable to perform on a consistent level each week.
"They've got quality players across the park, but they're an unpredictable side and it's because of this unpredictability we're going to have to make sure we're right on our game," he said.
While the Boomerangs are on top of the Group 19 ladder Binge said his side remain focussed on what they had to do each week to get the right result.
"We don't put ourselves up as the team to beat. Everyone believes they're beatable at some point," he said.
"But we haven't bought into the local derby hype; we'll try to keep things as simple as possible."
A big crowd is expected on Sunday with sunshine forecast.
"A good crowd makes for a good atmosphere which makes for a good game," Binge said.
Sunday will double as Men of League day where the Boars first grade side will wear special Men of League jerseys which will be auctioned off throughout the day with all proceeds to be donated to the Men of League Foundation.
Boars president, Todd Mitchell, said Men of League North West president Don Pascoe would be in attendance which will also be the club's sponsor's day.
"We're looking to do a similar day every year and thought because it was a local derby it was a good round to do it in," he said.
Men of League membership forms will be available at the ground and a lifetime membership will cost $20, but people don't have to be a player to become a member.
"Anyone involved with rugby league can become a member," Mitchell said.
Gates open at 10.30am with ladies league tag to kick off at 11am, under 18s at midday, 1.15pm for reserve grade and 3pm for first grade.