RUGBY LEAGUE
If there's one thing the Magpies can take confidence in following a win in can only be described as "terrible" conditions at Lithgow last Saturday, it's that their defence can hold.
That's something they'll be looking to in the final round of the Peter McDonald Premiership this Sunday, when they host a Wellington side who like to put on the points.
The minor premiership is within Forbes' reach and first grade captain Nick Greenhalgh says his side is already adopting a finals mindset.
Forbes secured a 10-14 win in muddy and icy conditions against Lithgow's Wolves in Round 14, putting them on top of the ladder on an equal 23 points with Dubbo CYMS.
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Wellington sit in fourth on 20 points behind Orange CYMS and Mudgee Dragons have slipped to fifth on 19 points.
"Our defence won us the game," Greenhalgh said on Monday.
"We can't take too much away from our attack, it was just horrendous conditions, we had to repel them off our line a fair few times.
"That'll come in handy coming into the big games, especially against Wello who like to score points.
"Hopefully we get a drier track this weekend and we'll get back to what we know we can do, leading into week one of semis that's going to be important for us."
Greenhalgh was pleased to have the side through the match unscathed and was looking forward to getting back into training this week.
Anticipation is building and it looks like coach Cameron Greenhalgh will have a full squad to pick from.
"Everyone's doing the best we can to stay out there," Nick Greenhalgh said.
"Knowing where we are on the ladder as well, they want to be picked in the side coming into these big games."
Knowing how his side plays at home, the opportunity of playing finals footy at Spooner Oval and before the Magpies faithful only adds fuel to the fire for the captain.
"There's plenty to play for," Greenhalgh said.
"We know what we're like at home but we need to get the two points this weekend and it's not going to be easy.
"Wellington, the way they've played this season has been tremendous.
"They've won the big games where they've had to - they've had a couple of lapses, just like us I suppose.
"They're going to be tough but we're playing at home and we haven't been beaten at home this year ," Greenhalgh said.
"I think the boys are really excited about what we can do."
Under 18s kick off against Wellington at 11.30am followed by reserve grade.
First grade scheduled for 2pm.
