League: Judiciary could upset Jetz' preparation

The Counties-Manukau Jetz had two players before the judiciary last night, throwing doubt into their preparation for Saturday's Bartercard Cup playoff against North Harbour at Ericsson Stadium.

Andrew Wharton was cited for a high tackle and Roman Hifo for a late charge, for which he was sin-binned during the game against the Bulls last weekend.

The Jetz will be without backs George Eliki (knee) and Marvin Filipo (eye socket fracture) but hope to have Sonny Fai back from the Warriors.

"We're running on three cylinders but we've been going well all year so hopefully we'll carry that on," coach Dean Hunter said.

The Jetz were whipped 54-0 by North Harbour in the first round of the competition, but beat them 18-14 in the return encounter mid-season.

The Canterbury Bulls had no injury worries ahead of their trip to Ericsson to meet defending champs Mt Albert on Sunday, but Roger Tafua is trialling with the Cronulla Sharks this weekend and Sam Wallace is also in Australia on holiday.

Coach Phil Prescott said the travel held no concerns for them and that they were used to playing big games in Auckland and would not use it as an excuse. They had struck form in the last month and were confident.

So are Mt Albert coach Brian McClennan's Lions. "We're ready. It's what we've been waiting for all year and it's been a long wait."

He agreed there was a burden of expectation on the players.

"There is a long, proud record in finals football. The players take inspiration from that."

The Lions won 68-32, 12 tries to six, in mid-season, and on a dry ground another high-scoring game appears likely.