Wes Middleton knows success breeds success.
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He's been around rugby league long enough to know gaining confidence and creating a winning culture is one of the biggest battles any club can have.
Developing that was one of his biggest challenges when taking on the captain-coach's role at Macquarie.
So while the Parkes Nines may be a pre-season event played under a different format to the Group 11 season proper, Middleton was thrilled to see his Raiders claim the title on Sunday.
The Raiders went through the tournament at Parkes undefeated and claimed the crown when downing Dubbo CYMS 18-12 in the grand final.
"Winning is always good for the mental state of players," Macquarie captain-coach Middleton said.
"It's great start to the season. We're four weeks out (from round one) and the boys are really excited but we know we've got a long way to go."
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While some Group 11 clubs didn't field full-strength squads at the Nines, the Raiders went with an eye on claiming the title.
Middleton purely took on a coaching role on Sunday and didn't feature on the field, but he was delighted with what he saw from his players.
Newcomers Filisione Pauta and Moa Kavaefiafi, more well known for their exploits in rugby union, have linked with the Raiders this season and impressed at Parkes, while the likes of Sam Coe, Kane McDermott and new signings Beau Satrick and Aaron Daniel were also part of the title-winning team.
Pauta is a former NSW Country representative in the 15-man code, while both he and Kavaefiafi were part of the Geurie Goats side which won last season's Graincorp Cup Northern Division premiership.
"We're developing players and that's the big thing," Middleton said, before speaking about Pauta and Kavaefiafi.
"They're really enjoying the place. They're making the transition to league so we're putting a lot of time into that but they're picking it up pretty well.
"I have no doubt in their ability. Moa has played a couple of trials but that was Filise's first game but from what I saw the ability is there.
"I'm just keen to get back to training and work with the boys."
While the transition the union players are making is impressive, Middleton said there was no single standout on Sunday.
The new-look side cruised past Wellington to start its campaign, running out 32-4 winners, while the Raiders also defeated Westside (40-6) and Narromine (18-12) on the run to the grand final.
"We knew we'd be pretty challenging over there," Middleton said, before talking about the win over CYMS.
"It was a good challenge and was really competitive. In Nines you've got to take your opportunity and one misread in defence or error can change the game.
"But the boys took their opportunities and came out winners.
"There's more to work on but I'm proud of the efforts. It's a new bunch but to come together and perform like they did, I'm wrapt."
While CYMS missed out on the main game, the Fishies did claim both the under 18s and league tag titles.
It continues a strong pre-season campaign for the women's side, which also finished runners-up at the Western Challenge tournament at Canowindra last month.