It’s always a match highlighted on the Group 11 calendar at the start of every season but Macquarie Raiders coach Steve McLellan is urging his players to avoid the hype around a Dubbo derby.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Raiders are locked in a fierce battle for fifth spot and a place in the finals and McLellan is under no illusions about how difficult it will be to knock off the undefeated CYMS in Saturday’s clash at Caltex Park.
The Fishies comfortably won the corresponding fixture earlier this season, overcoming a strong first half hour from the Raiders before running out 46-14 winners.
“This game it’s about playing to our ability and taking some of the hype about the game,” McLellan said.
“The players can get a bit worked up before a derby so it’s about taking that pressure of the group.”
Last season, much like the game against CYMS earlier this season and many other instances, the Raiders played well in periods but couldn’t put it together for the full 80 minutes and went down 22-10 to the Forbes Magpies.
McLellan hailed the effort from his players but said it was a similar feeling to come out of the loss.
“We’re just not scoring enough points,” he said.
“And a lot of that comes from having to defend a lot and we’re doing that very well but it makes us a bit flat in attack.
“We can’t give away repeat sets and repeat penalties and allow teams field position.”
The attacking spark in the Raiders side has been further affected by talented halfback Willie Wright’s return to the Walgett Dragons.
After a stellar first half of the season, personal reasons forced Wright, who lives in Walgett, to play with his home town.
“He’s a big loss but in saying that, we’ve been rapt in the performances from Jai Merritt,” McLellan said, the youngster stepping up with ease in recent weeks.
Merritt hasn’t been the only under 18s player to impress in the top grade, with the likes of Dalton Medcalf and Kane McDermott playing last week while Luke Gale has been a regular this season and Blake Frost has also featured at times.
Medcalf and McDermott will not be required this weekend, while young gun Merritt also hasn’t been named in the starting side, but the return of Phil Combridge during his university holidays is a boost.
“I thought they (under 18s players) would bring some enthusiasm and that’s what they’ve done,” McLellan said.
Saturday’s derby action at Caltex Park starts with league tag at 12pm.