New South Wales wait on Katich

New South Wales have fitness worries over two of their key members as they attempt to seal a spot in the Pura Cup final. Simon Katich, the captain who posted a double-century against Queensland, is the main worry with a thumb injury, but the allrounder Grant Lambert is also in doubt for the crucial game against the leaders Tasmania in Hobart from Thursday.

New South Wales can host the decider if they secure an outright defeat over the Tigers, but they can also miss the final if they fail to get any points and Victoria or Western Australia gain maximum rewards in their encounters. Tasmania sit on top of the table with 32 points while New South Wales have 28, four ahead of the Warriors and Bushrangers.

The Blues' initial squad is unchanged from the one that drew with Queensland at the SCG on Sunday, but two standby players have been named. Ben Rohrer, the Fairfield-Liverpool batsman, and the allrounder Moises Henriques will travel with the team as cover.

Tasmania, who are assured of a spot in the final, have made no changes to their squad that beat South Australia at Adelaide last week. Dan Marsh, the captain, is still unavailable with a calf injury.

New South Wales squad Ed Cowan, Phil Jaques, Simon Katich (capt), Dominic Thornely, Peter Forrest, Daniel Smith (wk), Grant Lambert, Beau Casson, Matthew Nicholson, Stuart MacGill, Doug Bollinger, Mark Cameron.

Tasmania squad Michael Di Venuto, Tim Paine, Michael Dighton, George Bailey (capt), Travis Birt, Sean Clingeleffer (wk), Damien Wright, Jason Krejza, Luke Butterworth, Xavier Doherty, Brendan Drew, Ben Hilfenhaus.