Group 11 2019: Harry and Jack Kempston to square off in major semi-final

Not only did Wellington defeat Dubbo CYMS, something that hasn't been seen in these parts for many a year, but brothers Jack and Harry Kempston played a footy match on opposite sides.

"It was weird," CYMS halfback Harry admitted.

"But once we got on the field last time I didn't think about it much.

"It was a pretty full-on game so we couldn't muck around too much out there."

It marked the first time the two brothers had played a game against each other and the second occurrence comes in one of the biggest games of the year, Saturday's major semi-final at Apex Oval.

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The Cowboys got the bragging rights last time the two sides did battle and back-rower Jack is eager to see that status maintained as the winner of the weekend's game advances to the 2019 grand final.

"It was a good win. Probably the best win all year for us," he said, looking back, before casting his eye towards Saturday and the threat his brother poses.

"I'll mark up against him on the weekend so hopefully I can contain him pretty well.

"We'll have to watch his kicking and his running. He's got a good step so we've got to be on our toes the whole time."

The two brothers may be in two completely different situations this season but there are similarities in how 2019 has panned out for them.

They faced a challenge when the year began, having both previously featured in the CYMS reserve grade side which won the 2018 title.

Jack was trying to force his way into a star-studded Cowboys side after switching clubs and chasing an opportunity while his younger brother was eyeing the vacant number seven jersey in the Fishies' first grade side following Bayden Searle's departure for the Newcastle Knights system.

"I was a bit nervous going out there at the start when they were signing all these players and I was wondering where I'd fit in but it's all worked out well," Jack said, praising the likes of ex-NRL players Travis Waddell and Timana Tahu.

"I've been loving it. It's been a really good year and there's a lot of good people around there and I've learnt from some good payers. To play with them is a good opportunity.

"They show you a lot and try and help and really give you a good chance."

Jack has clearly taken on what the big names have passed down, as he's developed into a key part of a powerful Wellington forward pack.

The Cowboys overcome a slow start last weekend to down Nyngan in the qualifying semi-final, while CYMS hasn't played in the past three weeks.

The Fishies had a bye in the final round following the expulsion of Westside before having another bye in the first week of finals after finishing as minor premiers.

Harry Kempston was one of a number of players who took that time to rest up following an injury, and he returns to the lineup on Saturday having not played since July 6 after damaging ankle ligaments at training.

"There was a time where I didn't think I would be back this year but five weeks out and I'm ready to go," he said.

"I'm confident. It's been a pretty good year for us and myself and there's a lot of good players around me and they looked after me and I try and look after them."

When looking at Saturday's blockbuster game, the two brothers gave similar answers when asked what their side needs to do in order to win and advance to the decider.

"We have to complete our sets and you've got to be good for the full 80 minutes. We can't be good in patches," Harry said.

"We definitely have to play for the full 80 against CYMS," Jack echoed.

"They won't go away at all and we've got to hold the ball and complete our sets."

Saturday's major semi-final is scheduled to kick-off at 2.30pm at Apex Oval.