The Parkes Spacemen produced their best performance of the season last round when beating fierce rivals Forbes and Dennis Moran’s men will be out to build on that against Wellington on Sunday.
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The Spacemen moved into a share of second place place after beating the Magpies and Sunday sees the sixth-placed Cowboys head to Pioneer Oval.
While the hosts will start as overwhelming favourites the Cowboys will be motivated after suffering a tough defeat to Macquarie in the club’s fundraising round.
Cowboys captain-coach Aidan Ryan stated prior to that match a loss would virtually signal the end of his side’s finals hopes but after pushing the Raiders for much of the contest he will be hopeful his side can do the same on Sunday.
The Cowboys are without key forwards Nathan Smith and Shannon Ireland but there is plenty of threats in the backline, where the experienced Ryan features alongside the likes of Brock Naden, Brian Baxter and Norm West.
The Parkes side is far from settled with some conjecture about the wing spots but regulars Moran, Sam Dwyer, Chad Porter and Jack Medlyn are there.
Porter had a standout performance last time out, scoring four tries in the win over Forbes, while Medlyn is joined by Benny Nash, Epi Sadrodo and Brendan Tago in a physical forward pack.
Wellington props Ben McGregor and Jake Tolhurst will be tasked with handling that threat.
Sunday’s Group 11 action at Pioneer Oval starts with League Tag at 11am.