“When she was good, she was very good indeed, but when she was bad she was horrid.”
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That is section of a well-known children’s nursery rhyme, one about a little girl with a little curl in the middle of her forehead.
However, it could also be used to describe the Dubbo Kangaroos and the 2018 Blowes Clothing Cup season.
When the Roos are good, like they were two weeks ago against Orange City, you see free-flowing rugby, tries galore and dominant and eye-catching victories.
But when the Roos are bad, like they were last weekend at Bathurst, it’s the exact opposite.
The season is now heading into round 10 but it’s the same issues plaguing a Roos side which is still yet to score consecutive wins.
“When we’re going well we’re as good as anyone in the competition,” captain Shaun McHugh said.
“But if you’re a bit off in this tight competition you get taught a lesson.”
Injuries have played a role in the Roos’ battle for consistency with an unprecedented six season-ending ACL injuries having a massive impact on the club’s depth.
And that, in turn, means there isn’t as much pressure on players and less battle for positions.
“I think it’s a bit of a personal attitude thing,” McHugh said of his side’s struggles.
“Some people might just think they deserve to be there rather than putting all the work in. There’s not as much pressure on blokes.
“It’s been a bit of an issue for the last few years. We’ve got good players in certain positions but not enough in others so if someone has to step up they might not be ready or suitable for the job.
“But it’s more a personal attitude, it’s not a club issue because the culture this season has been bloody fantastic.”
McHugh said training on Tuesday night was positive after last weekend’s 43-7 loss to the Bulldogs and much needs to improve heading into this weekend’s clash with the ladder-leading Orange Emus.
Emus were back near their best last weekend after an uncharacteristic pair of losses
“There’s no easing up for us this weekend,” McHugh said.
“They’re a good team and have been the best team in the competition for the last three or four years so it’s a tough test. But we’ll be pumped and ready to go.”
While the Roos have battled at times and will start as underdogs this weekend, McHugh said there is a sense of progress.
There was a lot of hype around the side heading into this season but only glimpses of top form has been seen.
“No one likes losing but it feels like we’re getting close,” McHugh said.
“We can feel it but, again, if one or two or three blokes are not on then there can be three or four tries in that area.
“Good teams exploit that.”
In a change from regular fixtures, the colts match between the two sides will be played on Friday night due to the fact a number of Dubbo players are unavailable on Saturday.
The first grade match will kick-off at 3.15pm at Orange Emus’ Endeavour Oval on Saturday.
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.
