The Waterford hurlers travel to Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday to take on Cork in Round 3 of the National League.
It will be our George Corbett Skoda Big Match here on WLR from 3.30.
Former Déise boss Michael Ryan says that it is a vital game for both counties. "The league has taken on greater significance now than ever before. First of all, the proximity of the league to the championship. It's really good match practice. There's a huge financial aspect to it as well. Come next year, you've seven teams in Division 1 and they'll be getting the crowds. In the league, the money goes back to the counties. We all know how strapped counties are for money. From Waterford's point of view, I'm not sure if they have a sponsor or not as we speak. Every euro is important. They will be fighting hard to get into the top division."
Ryan has a slight fancy for the Rebels. "It's going to be difficult for Waterford because Cork are going to be close to full strength. What is important for Waterford on Sunday is the performance. We've got to produce a good performance. You'd expect Cork to win the game but you never know what Cork team is going to turn up. Cork will come out fighting because they need to win this game more so than Waterford."
Former Waterford defender Eoin Murphy says it is a backs to the wall game for the home side. "It's a big deal for Cork because if you don't end up in the first tier, your crowd numbers are going to be down and the gate receipts. We all know about the financial situation in Cork. They'll be disappointed not to get anything from the first two rounds and I do expect a big bounce from them. Waterford won't be lying down tomorrow. The fear is gone of crossing the bridge in Youghal and going up to play Cork. That's long gone thankfully."
Join Kieran O'Connor and Eoin Murphy for the George Corbett Skoda Big Match from 3.30 on Sunday.
Listen back to the full piece with Michael Ryan from Friday's Lár Na Páirce show.
