Aidan Ryan is quietly confident his new-look team has what it takes outplay the notoriously physical Nyngan Tigers in Round 1 of the Group 11 competition this weekend.
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The Cowboys captain-coach anticipates Sunday’s game to be a testing first hit-out against the 2017 runners-up, however he warns Nyngan not to underestimate Wellington’s ability to show up on the day.
Wellington has opted to run with a bigger forward pack this week to match it with the Tigers who Ryan expects will field a big side, strengthened by former Under 20 NRL players but lacking the knowledge of experienced players such as Todd Rope and Stuart Mills.
Ryan said he is confident Wellington’s fitness will be a defining factor in Sunday’s outcome, doubled with the presence of Cowboys signing, Nathan Merritt who will debut as centre this week.
“A lot of people out in the bush have grown up and idolised Nathan as a player, so for some blokes to play against him and with him… it’s going to be unreal,” he said.
“He will boost our side. Nathan has been in some situations of pressure so he’ll know what to do to win a game and what to fix up within our game, our strengths.
“And I know Justin Toomey-White and Lewis Stanley are really up for the test, they’re really keen to throw a bit at them this weekend.”
Back rowers Toomey-White and Stanley are among an imposing forward pack which also features Reggie Saunders and Ryan himself who will play at lock.
“We’ve got a group of 21 players at the moment who can play First Grade but I had to go with the bigger side and the side I know will get the job done and work hard in that position,” Ryan said.
“It’s unfortunate you can’t pick them all but you have to go with what’s best for the side.
“I’ve told the boys their positions aren’t cemented in, they have to play their best footy week to week, or if you’re playing well in Reserve Grade we will switch them around – it gives them more drive to play to the best of their ability.”
The talent of Wellington’s signings comes without question, but what has become ever the more evident to Ryan is the dedication of local players who have shone throughout the preseason.
“I think a big thing with our side is everyone has expectations of big Justin Toomey-White, Reggie and AJ Davis, but the standout players have been the local fellas with their commitment and training ethics throughout the trials,” he said.
“It’s just been unreal for them to better themselves as players.
“It’s really showing on the footy field and hopefully everyone worries about what Justin and Merritt are doing on the field and forget about the locals who will show up on game day and prove they’re worthy as First Grade footballers.”
The Cowboys are eager to redeem themselves this week, having been defeated in a tight 26-22 result by the Tigers on May 17 last year.
“The boys are really looking forward to it, last year we went out there and had to play two games, ended up getting beat and it was pretty hard when we had 17 players across two grades, boosted with juniors, but that’s all changed heading into this game out at Nyngan,” Ryan said.
The first grade match will kick off from 2.30pm at Larkin Oval, Nyngan.