Dubbo Rhinos captain Matt Neill insists it won't take long before the New Holland Agriculture Cup sees the best of his side despite a second successive loss on Saturday.
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The Blayney Rams ran in three early tries on their way to winning 33-14 and while it means the Rhinos are without a win heading into the general bye for Easter, Neill is far from concerned.
The forward pack again muscled up at King George Oval but the Rams, led by the powerful Deryne McKenzie at fylhaf, were able to find space out wide on a number of occasions.
The Rams ran in five tries to two in the strong showing.
"What we're lacking is time playing together," Neill said.
"In that backline, I don't think anyone there has played a season together before but once they gel things will come good.
"It's just going to take a few weeks, they're still a bit green."
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What was pleasing for Neill was another improved showing in terms of attitude and discipline.
That was one area Neill was focused on when he was named the side's new captain in the lead-up to the 2019 season and the change is already clear to see.
"I think there's a lot of positives. I was proud of the conduct and the way we played," he said.
"The referee said the same about our attitude and the way we spoke to the referee, he said we should be proud of that."
The second successive impressive performance of Brady Brooks, a controlled showing from scrumhalf Chris Sellings, another consistent game from Jesse Redenbach, and a second try for youngster Dale Smith were further pleasing aspects of the game.
Andrew Seton also crossed for the Rhinos.
Sellings is someone the Rhinos are looking to this season, especially now his brother James has joined the side and formed a combination in the halves.
"Chris came across from Parkes last season and now we've got his brother too and they play nine and 10," Neill said.
It's just a matter of time for us.
- Rhinos captain Matt Neill
"That combination is strong seeing as though they've played together just about their whole lives. We've got the good halves and once the rest of the backline gels then it will give us an edge.
"It's just a matter of time for us."
The Rhinos and Mudgee are the only two of the competition's six sides to be without a win after two rounds.
"I'm hungry for it and once that first win comes our confidence will pick up a bit," Neill added.
"When the backs have the confidence they'll start running the ball more and we'll work those little things out.
"One weekend can make a massive difference for us."
Neill added defence will be a focus during the time off, saying his side can't allow more early tries in.
Blayney now sits third on the ladder behind the undefeated pair of Narromine and CSU Bathurst.
McKenzie, Ethan Hobby, Jack Ryan, Adam Hamilton, and Rick Scott all scored in Saturday's win.
- BLAYNEY RAMS 33 (Ethan Hobby, Deryne McKenzie, Jack Ryan, Adam Hamilton, Rick Scott tries; Bryce Sutton 3, Hamilton conversions) def DUBBO RHINOS 14 (Andrew Seton, Dale Smith tries; Chris Sellings 2 conversions)