ASH Walker will make a much-anticipated return for NSW Country this weekend but it may not be in her normal position at inside centre.
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Walker missed Country's 24-15 win over Sydney Blue in the opening match of the Chikarovski Cup due to a knee issue suffered playing for the Hunter Wildfires in the Jack Scott Cup.
Country take on the ACT in Bathurst on Saturday and back up 24 hours later against Sydney Gold in a heavyweight battle likely to determine the winner.
Captain Katrina Barker played at 12 against Syndey Blue and had fellow Wallaroo Piper Duck outside her. With openside breakaway Leilani Nathan suffering a season-ending knee injury, Bowen is considering a shift to the pack for Walker.
"We will ease her back into it," Bowen said about Walker. "We are not going to throw her into two games. As well as centre, she is a pretty handy back-rower. We will just slot her in where we need her.
"She is the female version of [Wallabies utility] Reece Hodge. She kicks goals and can play anywhere."
In another change Candice Clay comes in for Wildfires teammate Maryann Utai who succumbed to a shoulder injury.
"Being a front-rower, Candice will get big minutes," Bowen said. "We will rotate them around. The ACT have a very strong set piece anchored by Louise Burrows who has played at four World Cups. "
Out wide Maya Stewart (knee) is a 50-50 chance to play and Bowen hinted at a bigger role for back-up halfback Peter Salter after she only played a handful of minutes against Sydney Blue.
"Peter will play an integral role," Bowen said. "We will look at her at nine or 10 when we need to change up the tempo. She will get big minutes."
The ACT have lost both games but Bowen stressed that Country would not be taking them lightly.
"We definitely can't underestimate Canberra," he said. |They will have a bit of pride on the line and will probably come out swinging."
Hunter players will make up almost half the squad this weekend.
Apart from Walker, Clay, Barker, Stewart and Salter, Sophie Clancy, Sian Filipo, Kate Holland, Trudi Peterson and Layne Morgan are in Bathurst.
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James Gardiner
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
