As the Waratahs prepare for their third straight grand final appearance with a big injury cloud hanging over the head of coach Kose Lelei.
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The Waratahs leader was taken from the field in the late stages of the major semi-final against West Wyalong and is still not a guaranteed starter for the grand final on Sunday.
Assistant coach Trey Woodland said the veteran would be given as long as possible to prove his fitness.
"He will be given until the 11th hour," he said.
"He definitely isn't at 100 per cent at the moment and wasn't included in the team for the weekend, but that is still subject to change if he feels right.
"Losing anyone with the amount of experience Kose has would be a big loss."
The Waratahs will also be heading into the grand final without Shorne Ngu after the centre was suspended for five games for a spear tackle on West Wyalong's Chris Mayberry during the major semi-final.
Apart from that the Waratahs will be heading into the final with all first graders available and despite the side only playing two games in the last month, Woodland feels the break came at a great time.
"It just allowed us to give the guys carrying knocks the chance to recover.
"The week-off can go either way, but it has been a tough season, and you back the work that you have done earlier in the season to get you over the line."
He will be given until the 11th hour
- Assistant coach Trey Woodland
This weekend the Waratahs will take on Darlington Point Coleambally as they attempt to pick up their fourth first-grade premiership in six seasons.
Woodland knows that it will come down to the battle in the middle of the park.
"They are a tough, physical side," he said.
"They are big and fast through the middle, and Dillon Bartter is one that we will have to look out for.
"Ben Jeffery is another. He is a quality football, and we need to not let him make too many quick breaks from dummy half."
For the Waratahs, Woodland has back Tom Sellars to have a big game.
"This is the first grand final he has been apart of and since he has come back from injury he has been playing well," he said.
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