On the Bench with Gary Bridge and Taree sports journalist Mick McDonald | video

However, Group Three Hall of Famer Gary Bridge of Taree said it's way too early for Breakers coach Dan Kemp to bring out the worry beads.

Speaking on this week's edition of On the Bench, hosted this week by one of our Mid North Coast ACM journalists Mick McDonald of Taree, Bridge said he expects the three Hastings clubs and Old Bar to be around come semi-final time.

He thinks Wingham and Macleay will battle it out for the other spot and said Wingham faces a crucial game on Sunday against Old Bar at Old Bar. A highlight will be the clash of halfbacks Jordan Worboys (Old Bar) and Mick Sullivan (Wingham)

Bridge believes Taree City captain-coach Trae Clark's best position is fullback.

Bridge, who represented Country and City in his stellar playing career, expects Taree's Latrell Mitchell to be named as left centre for the NSW State of Origin team.

He thinks Mitchell will partner Manly's Trbojevic in the centres for the opening game of the series.

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