Captain Horne a confirmed starter for preliminary final

THE injury cloud over Hervey Bay Seagulls captain and halfback Clinton Horne has lifted.

The halfback, a former Bundaberg Rugby League Player of the Year award winner and multiple-time representative player, was injured in the Seagulls' major semi-final loss to Past Brothers last week.

The mercurial half was in doubt and left off the Seagulls' starting line-up.

While a TBA was listed next to the No.7 jersey he's made his own, Horne was cleared to take his place in the preliminary final.

Horne said he was confident his teammates could deliver a timely return to form against bitter local rivals Wallaroos.

"It's always tough against Roos," Horne said.

"We'll need our forwards to step up: guys like Eli (Alefaio), Ronnie Fisher and Steve Dwyer. Hopefully they can get a roll-on."

Kick-off in the Salter Oval, Bundaberg, clash is at 7pm.