AFTER surprising many Group 11 pundits last season by making a run all the way to the finals, the Nyngan Tigers have continued that form in 2014 with only one loss in the opening six rounds.
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The Tigers currently sit equal first on the table and this afternoon welcome Dubbo Macquarie to Larkin Oval in a highly-anticipated top of the table clash.
Despite losing some key players during the off-season the Tigers have managed to put together some hugely impressive performances so far, most notably their 29-22 win over defending premiers Parkes in round three.
And with matches against the three Dubbo sides, Macquarie, CYMS and Westside, in the next three weeks coach Col Wright will know his team can really put their stamp on Group 11 with some more strong performances.
The Tigers are level on points with Macquarie but find themselves second due to a lesser percentage but a win this weekend will put themselves out in front on their own and the home side will be hoping their passionate fans at Larkin Oval will help get the job done.
The form of Jacob Neill has been a big reason for Nyngan's charge to the top of the table this season with the classy half making a huge difference for the Tigers since his return from a spell with the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Neill returned to Group 11 this season and his form hasn't gone unnoticed and he was recently part of the Western Rams squad, where he played five-eighth alongside captain-coach Dennis Moran in the halves.
Todd Rope, Ryan McPaul and teenager Fred Apulu have all been other key players throughout the early part of the season and with the squad under the watchful eye of rugby league legend Rod 'Rocket' Reddy, the youngsters will have an outstanding opportunity from one of the best in the game.
Reddy, who played 16 tests for Australia and over 200 matches for St George, linked up with the Tigers this season as club coach and has been overseeing Wright and the lower grade coaches.
Macquarie today will be without Western hooker Jeremy Smith, who misses out through an ongoing elbow injury while youngster Blaize Fuller retains his spot at fullback and Adam McDermott takes over the number nine jersey.
The action begins with under-18s at 12.30 today, followed by reserve grade and then firsts.
o MACQUARIE: 1 Blaize Fuller, 2 Etuate Gusuivalu, 3 Ashley Widders, 4 Chris Daley, 5 Viliame Cagibula, 6 Mason Williams, 7 Joshua Merritt, 8 Anthony Egan, 9 Adam McDermott, 10 Ashley Conn, 11 James Mckinnon, 12 Perry Meredith, 13 Zac Rennick, 14 Dylan Hill, 15 Matthew Lane, 16 Thomas Magann, 17 Brody Chapman.
