It’s been a mixed first half of the Group 11 season for Dubbo Macquarie but co-coach Steve McLellan feels his side isn’t far off where it needs to be.
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After six matches the Raiders have won three and lost three, putting them in fifth spot on the ladder.
Back-to-back wins over Westside and Wellington has boosted the Raiders and McLellan said another win over Narromine on Saturday would result in a “pass mark” for his side at the regular season’s midway point.
“We’re not far away,” he said.
“I think CYMS will get Forbes on Saturday so we could be equal with them (Forbes) and two points behind Parkes and Nyngan, who I think will both win, so we’ll be there or thereabouts.
“We’ll be in the right spot to string a few wins together in the second round.”
McLellan confessed he may have had his expectations too high too early this year with the Raiders falling to three straight losses after an opening round win over Nyngan.
A host of new players, headlined by leading halfback Willie Wright, have had to gel and the coach stated that always takes some time.
“We really have a whole lot of news faces and what we’re hoping for is consistency,” he said.
“That will come in time and sometimes when something doesn’t go our way we compound it and that just comes down to mental toughness.”
The Raiders will have to show toughness on Saturday against a Jets side on a high after a breakthrough win last round.
Corey Cox’s penalty goal after the full time siren sealed a thrilling 34-32 win while the club has more to play for with Saturday being Narromine’s annual sponsor’s and charity day at Cale Oval.
“Out there it’s a special day for them and they’ll be buoyed after a win,” McLellan said.
“We don’t expect an easy game. They’ll be tough and we respect any team we play because all sides can beat anyone on their day.”
The Raiders’ task is made more challenging by the fact Matt Lane, someone McLellan said has been among the side’s best this season, is unavailable this week.
Powerful forward Tom Magann returns to the lineup while Kurt Fuller moves to hooker and young gun Jai Merritt will again feature off the bench after grabbing a try on debut last weekend in the much-needed win over Wellington.
“He’s got enough talent and he’s tough enough too,” McLellan said of under 18s player Merritt.
“I just don’t think he knows how good he can be.”
Josh Merritt will also be key for the Raiders alongside Wright in the halves while Kepu Nathan and Eroni Turaga have been improving up front.
Saturday’s fixtures start with the League Tag at 11am.
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.
