WITH two successive wins the confidence is starting to build in the Dubbo Kangaroos camp but captain Shaun McHugh is well aware a win tomorrow at Forbes can't be taken for granted.
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The defending Blowes Clothing Cup premiers produced their best performance of the season last week to beat CSU 60-5 but the skipper expects a much bigger test against the Platypi at Grinstead Oval.
"We know it won't be an easy task, for years they've always been tough no matter how the sides are going," he said.
"We had a slow start but we're starting to get a bit of momentum so we need to gets wins because once the second round begins we've got a tough start again."
The forward pack is well-known as a real strength of the Roos but last week saw things much smoother all over the park and McHugh said it was pleasing to witness his side play the way the team desires.
"Our forward pack has always been strong but it's started to click with our pattern and style of play," he said.
One of the key reasons behind the Roos' improvement has been the return of Simon Murphy at flyhalf but he won't make the trip to Forbes tomorrow.
Joe Finch, who played inside centre last week, will take over the number 10 jersey and will be tasked with guiding the team around alongside the hugely impressive Tim Phillips.
James Mata will come into the team at centre and while the pressure will be on Finch to perform, McHugh said it's up to the forwards to lead the way and give the backs a chance to flourish.
Former NSW Country representative Benn Wright has been a key figure up front since making the move to the Roos during the off-season but the captain said the entire front row has been outstanding.
"We had a good front row last year and Pete Graham was a big part of that off the bench and he's really stood up this season too," he said.
"Benny Wright has played for Country before and he's filled in the slot left by Tim Cullenward but he probably gets around the field a bit better than 'T.C' so he's made a massive difference and Ned Williams has stepped up at hooker since Josh Tremain got injured.
"That's all where it starts too, if those boys don't get going early then (second rowers) John Korff and James Elliot can't follow them and I just stay at the back and direct them a bit."
Forbes currently sit second last on the ladder with only one win but they have been a bit of a bogey side for the Roos in recent years and were the only team to win at Dubbo last season.
McHugh highlighted the size and physicality in the Platypi lineup as something the Roos must be wary of.
Kick off tomorrow at Grinstead Oval will be at 3.15pm.
