Much has been made of the Parkes Boars in the past week but Dubbo Kangaroos back-rower Shaun McHugh isn’t expecting anything but a strong showing from what he describes as “a strong, proud club” when the two sides go head-to-head on Saturday.
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The Boars were down 89-0 last week when their Blowes Clothing Cup match with Orange Emus was called off 10 minutes from time, with a number of Parkes players having already reportedly walked off the field.
The Boars have only won twice this season but McHugh refuses to believe the Parkes side will just give up on 2016.
“Parkes are a strong, proud club and no doubt after a few things have been said they won’t cop that and they’ll put a strong side on the paddock,” he said in the build up to Saturday’s match at Parkes.
“And it wasn’t an easy victory when we played them here last time so we’re expecting a tough match.”
Despite McHugh’s strong belief the match will be a tight one, there is no doubt the Roos will start as overwhelming straps.
The Dubbo side are hitting their straps at the right time and are coming off an outstanding 76-5 win over the Mudgee Wombats.
“I think anyone who was there could have seen that it was our best performance all year,” he said.
“The ball did bounce our way and we got a bit of luck but you can only play what’s in front of you.
“We scored plenty of points in the first half and then we replicated that in the second.”
With the gameplan now in place the Roos have their eyes set on a top three finish.
They currently sit fourth, just one point behind Orange City.
“Our plan has been to get into the five and then get in the top two or three is the aim,” McHugh said.
“Our aim has been to win and then win with a bonus point and bridge the gap to Orange City and if we can keep doing that then we will go close to getting a home semi.”
Ted Bates has been directing the side around with style in recent weeks but McHugh said the reason he is allowed to do that, and the reason why the outside backs can pile on the points, is because the front row is setting the platform.
The five-man rotation of Benn Wright, Jonny Mafiti, Ned Williams, Will Chaffey and Jack Finch has been the catalyst behind the Roos fine form, according to the back-rower.
“Those five blokes have been playing really well,” McHugh said.
“Jonny Mafiti has been great, Ned has stepped up every time and Jack Finch is unstoppable.
“They set the standard and the front row has been a big step forward in the last few weeks.”
Saturday’s match kicks off at 3.15pm.
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.
