It could prove to be the victory that kick-starts the Wollongong Wolves’ finals pursuit in 2017, but Sunday’s convincing 3-0 triumph over Parramatta might have come at a far greater cost.
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While the three valuable points keep the Wolves in reach of the top-five, Wollongong must now deal with a mounting injury toll that sees more than half of the club’s first grade team on the sidelines.
Josh MacDonald (ankle), Nico Bernal (groin) and Brett Wilson (knee) all limped off with injuries at WIN Stadium, with Wilson’s season feared to be over due to a suspected ACL tear.
First team regulars Peter Simonoski (groin), Ben Tosi (foot), Hayden Morton (hamstring), James Baldacchino (overseas) and Michael Robinson are all already missing in action for the Wolves.
Despite the absentees and casualties, Wollongong never looked like losing against the last-placed Eagles on home soil.
Wollongong led just five minutes in when Nick Montgomery found the bottom corner for his first goal in Wolves colours. Chris Price doubled the lead five minutes into the second half after he was found at the back post by Yuzo Tashiro.
The rout was completed in the final minute when Tashiro handed Patrick Antelmi the easiest of finishes inside the six yard box.
Wolves coach Jacob Timpano felt the three goal margin could have been bigger had his side taken their chances.
But he was pleased with how his short-staffed squad worked through adversity.
“We would have signed off on a 3-0 result beforehand considering the changes we had to make this week and the injuries we copped during the game,” he said.
“With Nico going off at half time, Brett having what looks to be a fairly serious knee injury and Josh MacDonald doesn’t look great either. We had to patch up a little bit but got the job done.”
Wollongong beat Parramatta by the same scoreline in round one, but had their points stripped after it was found they had played two suspended players in the match.
Sunday’s victory leaves them six points behind fifth-placed Sydney United just after the halfway point of the season.