When you’ve played as many Group 11 derbies as Luke Jenkins it’s probably understandable it starts to feel like any other game.
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But the CYMS veteran says that is how every member of his side is treating this weekend’s clash with rivals Macquarie.
“There’s always a good crowd, that’s for sure, but I’ve said in the past we don’t buy into it as much as Macquarie,” Jenkins said.
“It’s just another game but we know they really buy into it so they’ll come out firing.
“But we’ll just keep taking it step by step.”
CYMS is undefeated at the top of the ladder but Jenkins, much like coach Tim Ryan and a number of the players, said the side is nowhere near its best.
Parkes led a Fishies team which battled handling errors in the first half last before the men in green and white produced a clinical second half effort to score victory.
“We’re a long way off our best but not too many sides would be happy how they’re going,” Jenkins said.
“One big thing Tim is doing this year is to have us building up slowly.
“I think by the second round you’d like to think you’ve got an understanding of all your players and then you can really build towards the semis.”
Brad Pickering is one of a number of new players in the Fishies lineup this season and Jenkins said he’s still coming to grips with running the show from five-eighth while Joeby Vetaukula made his debut on the wing last week and scored.
“If you can get those combinations and things right (early in the season) you’ll be right,” Jenkins said.
In terms of the clash with the Raiders, Jenkins confessed he doesn’t know a great deal about the side this year.
A number of new players are playing in sky blue in 2017 while Sunday will mark Josh Merritt’s first appearance for the season after returning from suspension.
But Jenkins is all to aware his side’s crosstown rivals will come out with a point to prove in the derby.
“In about six or eight weeks they’ll be a totally different side, everyone is a bit the same in this first round,” Jenkins said.
“But I know they’ll be fired up and fairly enthusiastic but I think if we can match that enthusiasm we should be able to go a fair way.”
Saturday’s action at Caltex Park begins with the League Tag at 10am.
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.
