“There’s no easy games in this competition anymore”.
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Orange Emus head coach Paul Ringland shrugged off suggestions his side has been granted an easy start to the 2017 Blowes Clothing Cup season, pointing to Forbes’ resurgence last year as proof no side should be taken lightly.
Outside of a grand final rematch against Forbes at Endeavour Oval in round two, the reigning champions will only face one other of last year’s top five in the opening five weeks of the competition.
That happens to be in the round five local derby. Emus face a road trip to take on Dubbo Rhinos first up and will also play Cowra at home and Mudgee away in the first five games.
Emus’ draw is enviable compared to Forbes’, Orange City’s and Dubbo Kangaroos’, all teams which featured in last year’s finals series.
The Lions and Kangaroos both face three of last years’ top five in the first five games, while Forbes play Dubbo and Emus in the opening two rounds – the toughest of any teams’ start to the year.
“A couple of people have said it looks a bit easier and I guess based just on last year’s standings it is,” Ringland said.
Everyone thought Forbes would be an easier game last season and they ended up being the toughest team in the competition.
- Emus coach Paul Ringland
“But everyone thought Forbes would be an easier game last season and they ended up being the toughest team in the competition, although it’s cliche we won’t be taking anyone lightly because of that.”
That includes Rhinos, a side that finished last year with just two wins from 17 games.
“We were very impressed with the culture and attitude Rhinos showed both times we played them last season, and I think they will have built on that again so definitely, they’re a side we consider a danger, particularly in Dubbo first-up,” Ringland said.
“Actually, in terms of colts, Emus-Rhinos is probably a good way to start. Both clubs will be fielding a colts side regularly for the first time in a while, so I think that’ll be a great way to start the season.”
Emus’ pre-season kicked off two weeks ago and Ringland said he and fellow coaches Jeremy Wallace and Graydon Staniforth have been buoyed by the attitude on show so far.
“I think it’s probably the best start to a pre-season we’ve had since I’ve been coaching here,” Ringland said.