Dubbo Westside continues to show signs of improvement but the opposition each week in Group 11 fails to get easier.
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The Rabbitohs fell to a 72-12 loss to Dubbo CYMS last week and while that result is incredibly lopsided on paper, it was an improvement on the 102-0 loss recorded against the Fishies back in round one and the side did show promise.
An improved structure in both attack and defence was a positive for interim coach Col Fuller, with CYMS just proving a class above on the day.
On Sunday, the Rabbitohs make the daunting trip to Spooner Oval to take on the Forbes Magpies.
The defending premiers haven’t quite hit their straps in 2017 but still sit fourth and Spooner has proven to be a real fortress in recent times.
Throw in the fact star forwards Zac Merritt and Ben Maguire could both return from injury and it shapes as a tremendous task for Fuller and his men.
But Fuller has instilled plenty of pride in the red and green jersey and the side is striving to score that breakthrough win this year.
As well as making players keen to run out each week, Fuller has also been striving for improvements in discipline.
Captain Brayden Peachey has been a real standout since making the switch to Westside but his sin-binning last week cost his side dearly, as CYMS took full advantage and built a match-winning lead in his absence.
With chances likely to be few and far between against a powerful Forbes side, Fuller will be determined to see 13 players on the field at all times on Sunday.
Peachey will again be key, as well flying outside back Sam Coe and forwards Colt Tairua and Tyrone Blanchett.
Steve Riley continues to do a job at halfback while young five-eighth Steve Merritt has shown development in the number six jersey.
In the other round nine match this weekend, the Nyngan Tigers play host to the Wellington Cowboys.
The Tigers had victory stolen from their claws last week as Macquarie scored a last-gasp try to secure a 14-all draw.
With the race for a top three position, Nyngan currently sits behind CYMS and Parkes and just one point ahead of Forbes, the Tigers will have plenty of motivation heading into the match at Larkin Oval.
The Cowboys have shown glimpses of genuine quality this season but captain-coach Aidan Ryan knows his side is running out of time to climb into fifth spot on the ladder.
The Cowboys pushed Forbes last week but ultimately fell away as the Magpies scored a 22-6 win at Kennard Park.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
