The Dubbo Kangaroos are up to third on the Blowes Clothing Cup ladder after a 48-14 victory over the struggling Parkes Boars.
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But despite that, back-rower Shaun McHugh says his side have to play better than they did on Saturday if they’re to be a force come finals. The Roos made the trip to Pioneer Oval as overwhelming favourites and only a few late tries, three of those to James Mata off the bench, caused the lopsided result.
“It was pleasing to get the win and get the bonus point but the performance was not very pleasing,” McHugh said.
“We took a while to get into it and then we scored a few late tries but it wasn’t until the 65th minute before we really got into the game.”
McHugh admitted complacency may have been a bit of an issue for his side after producing their best performance of the season last week at Mudgee while the Boars entered the match off the back of a drama-filled 89-0 loss to Orange Emus.
“Just the overall attitude,” he replied when asked what needs to improve.
“No one had a great game and there was no real standout, in my opinion. We were all a bit guilty of having a bit of a poor attitude. It wasn’t the best but it was a win and got the bonus point and now we just need to prepare better and that comes down to us, it’s nothing to do with the coaching.”
Captain Filisione Pauta also scored a double in the win, which combined with Orange City’s loss to Forbes, saw the Roos leapfrog the Lions into third spot.
“That’s the goal and it’s pretty clear we need to maintain that third spot,” McHugh said.