WITH just one pre-season friendly before the big National One kick-off, Sedgley Park are in need of a morale boosting performance against National Two new boys Waterloo on Saturday at Blundellsands writes Peter Collins.

Player-coach Tim Fourie identified composure on the ball as being the ingredient missing from the Tigers' team mix at the moment.

"Instead of forcing the pass two metres from the try line we should be be taking it in, re-cycling and going through a couple more phases, that way we'd either score or get a penalty.

"We're going to have to develop that composure over the next two weeks, otherwise we are going to start with an important piece of our armour missing."

It won't be the only thing missing, as Sedgley were dealt a double blow at Grove Park last Friday night - a 13-5 defeat at the hands of Manchester and the loss of one of the club's eight summer signings, fullback Danny McGee.

McGee, signed from Halifax RUFC, broke his fibula close to his ankle. He was operated on the same night when a plate and pins were inserted and looks to be out of contention until at least Christmas.

However, it would appear the metalwork was inserted to speed up the recovery process, rather than as an indication of the severity of the break.

Fortunately Arno de Jager, first choice fullback for most of last season who had been struggling with an ankle injury of his own, looks to be near to match fitness as the club's inaugural National One campaign approaches ever nearer.

"It was a blow to lose Danny like that, but I've had a chat with him, I told him it's not the end of the world and that we'll do everything we can for him, he's a tough kid," said Fourie.

Waterloo were promoted to National Two after winning National Three North on points difference from Halifax, and are sure to provide Fourie's Tigers with a searching examination.

"We should beat them but they are well coached and we certainly won't be taking them lightly," said Fourie.

"This is our final rehearsal, so we have to start getting things right, I'll be looking for a big improvement in all departments," said Fourie.

"That's what we'll be concentrating on, we'll certainly be looking for a win, although if we get one it will be a bonus, improved performance and attitude are the things I'll be looking for first."

However, his team plans for tomorrow were dealt a late blow on Thursday.

"John Skurr was rushed into hospital yesterday, his mouth has swollen alarmingly and they'll be keeping him in a couple of days for observation.

"If he responds to treatment they'll then release him, but he will be unavailable tomorrow, which is a big blow.

"I wanted to see how he fitted in at No8 and I wanted 40 minutes in the second row, but with John in hospital I will have to play Willie Stockdale in the second row all game and I will have to play No8."

The club's search for an experienced second row continues, with offers having been made to a number of UK-based players as well as those currently playing in South Africa.

The club's game against Rotherham Titans, scheduled for Saturday September 11, at Sheffield's Don Valley Stadium is still in doubt.

Rotherham are facing liquidation following their relegation from the Zurich Premiership last season.

A local consortium aiming to save the Yorkshire club met with the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) management board on Wednesday, where it submitted a rescue plan. It is still waiting to hear if it has been accepted.

If no progress is made, then the club will cease trading before facing liquidation next month.

The Titans remain hopeful of starting their National League One campaign as planned at Bedford on September 4.

However, sources suggest it will take the RFU longer to come to a decision regarding the rescue package and in the meantime Rotherham may have to shelve their opening games, starting with their trip to Bedford and followed by the visit of the Tigers.