The Macquarie Raiders are set to unleash a free-flowing and attacking gameplan in Saturday's Group 11 derby clash with CYMS.
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The Raiders chalked up win after win in pre-season and some eye-catching attacking play meant the side entered the new campaign with a huge amount of confidence.
But in the space of two rounds that has taken a hit.
The Raiders are without a win and have leaked more than 70 points in two games while they also only managed one solitary try in last week's loss to Forbes.
This weekend they face another mighty challenge. The Raiders meet CYMS in a Dubbo derby fixture they haven't won since 2012.
It will be a first Dubbo derby for Aaron Daniel, the off-season recruit having arrived from Cairns.
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He admitted he was a mixture of nerves and excitement in the lead-up but his focus is on getting the Raiders back to the style of play which works best for them.
"I think we've gone away from what we did in the trials," he said.
"We had a licence to play and there was the talent on show but then in round one it changed.
"This weekend we're going to go back to that, playing eyes up footy.
"Everyone has their own style and this weekend is a chance to showcase what we've got."
Daniel is eager to lead the change, especially in the absence of captain-coach Wes Middleton.
Middleton has a minor ankle knock and is expected to rest it rather than risk further injury.
"It's a big loss but they boys will step up," Daniel added.
"He wasn't there when we played all the trials so everyone has a job to do and if they see something then go for it, we'll just play footy.
"Structure is good and there's a time and place for it but when you see something you've got play eyes up footy."
Daniel will line up at lock again after playing in the centres in round one.
A free-running back-rower during his time in Cairns, Daniel stated he's much more at home in the middle of the park.
"I'm happy to play lock at the moment," he said.
"It gives me the chance to organise things in the middle. I like to talk on the field.
"I was frustrated (in the centres) and I wanted to get involved so I had a yarn to Wes and now I've got a licence."
Daniel added he's been enjoying the physical side of Group 11 since his arrival.
Saturday's first grade derby clash is expected to kick-off at 3.30pm.
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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.
