A novelty selection last season, former Austalian high jump star Josh Hall will tomorrow return to where he debuted, knowing he deserves his spot.
The Gold Coast Suns experiment, who gave up an Olympic shot to play AFL, will return to the injury-hit side as they attempt to make it three-from-three against Richmond in Cairns.
Suns coach Guy Mckenna said the Townsville product's selection to debut last year at Cazalys was as much to do with his North Queensland connection than anything else, but that he had justified his position the second time around.
The coach had a subtle swipe at Richmond too, but said he expected them to "come out snorting' tomorrow afternoon.
"I'll be honest, Richmond rested players last year but we gave Josh a taste too in his hometown. But this year he is legitimate - his form has been super in the seconds and he's earned his chance."
With talls Zac Smith, Daniel Gorringe and Cairns product Charlie Dixon all injured, the 23-year-old will play forward and offer Tom Nicholls help in the back. Jarad Brennan is back after excelling in his return last week and, as expected, Seb Tape is the other inclusion for the Suns.
McKenna confirmed Gary Ablett is fit to play, while Karmichael Hunt will not be in the side despite last year's heroics in Cairns.
The rugby league convert kicked a goal after the siren to win last year, but coming back from injury a fortnight ago Hunt had just two touches before being subbed and then did his calf in the lead up to the clash with the Brisbane Lions.
"He'll come back through seconds. He didn't get the 15-20 possessions we'd expect and we knew that wasn't going to cut it and then he hurt his calf," McKenna said.
"But Gary is confident he'll be fine. I wasn't prepared to bring a player as a traveller in case anyone pulled up sore."
The Suns have upset the Tigers in both visits north, as well as winning their previous NAB Cup match in Cairns.
Given Richmond's form this year - they sit sixth and are eyeing a finals berth for the first time since 2001 - the Suns are considered underdogs, though.
"It's an exciting feeling because we've been battling through the last three or four games, but come up here with a good record behind us," McKenna said.
"It's the last opportunity for them to get the four points but our chance to send them home with three losses from their Cairns experiment. They'll come out snorting, but we're looking forward to the challenge."
Wet and windy weather threatens to turn the clash into a messy one, but the Suns beat the Kangaroos in atrocious conditions a little more than one month ago.
"I'm not fussed. We've had some good results up here and whether windy or wet we handle them well," he said.
Last Modified on 09/08/2013 13:58