As many competitions in the central west have a month of footy to go before their semi-finals, the GrainCorp Cup northern conference has reached its business end.

The first week of the semi-finals for the Central West Rugby Union second tier competition begins on the weekend with Yeoval taking on Coolah in the qualifying final on Saturday and the elimination final on Sunday between Wellington and Dubbo Rhinos Black.

Minor premiers Dubbo Rhinos Gold have the week off as they finished on top but they wouldn’t be too impressed with Coolah coach Andrew McFadyen’s comments.

“Whoever wins on the weekend [between Yeoval and Coolah], I believe they will host the grand final. They will carry the momentum on,” he said.

For McFadyen, he hopes it is his team who win on Saturday then again a week later.

The Roos finished third on the ladder behind Rhinos Gold and Yeoval.

Last week, Coolah got a taste of what to expect when they played the Eagles at Yeoval.

However, the result wasn’t one to remember as Yeoval hammered Coolah 45-0.

But McFadyen said he has a near full strength side making the trip to Yeoval on Saturday.

“We will go all right,” the mentor said.

“A lot of players have been out and we haven’t had the depth like last year but we will have a decent team this week.

“When we are at full strength, I would back ourselves against anyone.”

That was the case three weeks ago when Coolah knocked over Rhinos Gold - the only time the latter had dropped a game all season.

They then piled on 95 points against the hapless Geurie Goats to secure a top three finish before regrettably ending the regular season with a heavy loss to the Eagles.

Last year’s grand finalists finished third on 43 points with nine wins and five losses.

“Last year we were the top side but this year we have been up and down because of injury,” McFadyen said.

“We’ve had to rebuild the club and to finish in the top three is a credit to what the team has done.

“Brandon Holgate, Adam Burgess, Scott Bradbrook, Geoff Richard and scrum-half Tom Trisley have been earmarked to have big games.

“We’re still not at full strength this weekend as we are missing four of five players... we have a competitive chance.” 

McFadyen said Yeoval would start as warm favourites.

“They are a good team, they are a complete side and they are coached really well,” he said.

“It should be a cracker of a day.”

A supporters’ bus will travel from Coolah to Yeoval for the clash, which kicks off at 3.15pm.