Four rounds in and only one side is unbeaten
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The 2019 Group 11 season promised a tight competition and it is delivering.
There's changes at the top again this week, and top spot now belongs to a side very familiar with being number one.
1. Dubbo CYMS (last week: 2)
Yes, the simple way to look at it is that CYMS is the only unbeaten team so therefore automatically number one.
Somewhat true, but it's also the way they won.
The Fishies were missing a stack of players for Sunday's trip to Forbes but still managed to tough it out and claim an impressive come-from-behind victory.
There never really was any doubts about this side's mental strength and attitude post-Tim Ryan and performances like Sunday's prove it.
No matter which player is in those green and white jerseys, you're going to have to play well damn well to defeat them.
2. Parkes Spacemen (last week: 3)
All you can do is beat what's in front of you.
The Spacemen weren't at their absolute best against Narromine on Sunday but still produced some slick play on the way to winning a third game from four starts.
With most sides in the competition still finding their way and being far from their best, winning is all that matters at this time of year and the Spacemen are already going a long way to securing a finals spot in 2019.
Coach Brent Wood has enjoyed the luxury of picking almost the same 17 each week, something that can't be said for every other side, and that means this team will gel and get even better quicker than most others.
3. Nyngan Tigers (last week: 1)
A drop in two spots but nothing for Tigers fan to worry too much about.
Nyngan was right on top at Wellington early but a Sam Simmons injury and tired legs late on saw the Cowboys come home over the top of them.
Injuries are starting to build-up a little but Justin Carney is remaining positive, and he has every right to.
The captain-coach described Sunday's loss as the "kick up the arse" his previously unbeaten side might need.
Look for them to respond in a big way at Narromine next weekend.
4. Wellington Cowboys (last week: 4)
Seems harsh to hand Nyngan a first loss for 2019 and not move up these rankings but Sunday was really the first time the Cowboys put it all together.
They've shown signs they're an 80-minute team early in the year and now they've got the result to back that up.
The victory over another of the premiership contenders would have done wonder for the Cowboys' confidence and the return of Will Lousick has given a whole new edge to a side already loaded with attacking talent.
That's two wins in a row and don't be surprised to see that tally grow in the coming weeks.
5. Forbes Magpies (last week: 5)
It's a classic Forbes season at the moment.
Everyone knows they're a contender and the squad is loaded with talent, they're just a little slow out of the gates.
It's no reason to worry, it's been the same in recent seasons and two of those campaigns have finished in premiership glory.
Much like round one against Nyngan, the Magpies were their own worst enemy in Sunday's loss to CYMS and there's no doubt coach Cameron Greenhalgh is letting his players know that's not good enough.
6. Macquarie Raiders (last week: 7)
The Raiders are up and running.
After three disappointing and disjointed losses the Raiders scored victory on Sunday, and what a win it was.
People have been sent scouring the record books after a thumping 128-0 win over Westside.
As tough as it is on Westside, there's an asterisk next to every win recorded over the battling Bunnies in 2019 but finally seeing his side click in attack while keeping the opposition scoreless would no doubt have pleased captain-coach Wes Middleton.
The lineup was again massively different on the weekend though and Middleton will want to settle on a consistent side is he's side is to produce competitive performances week in, week out.
7. Narromine Jets (last week: 6)
When writing the 2019 season preview I stated there would be no doubt Narromine would improve in 2019 but the result may not necessarily show that.
That's the case at the moment as the Jets are without a win after round four yet they have played some hugely competitive footy.
Narromine pushed the Spacemen for much of the way at Parkes on Sunday, only to see the hosts kick away late.
It's another massive test against Nyngan this coming week but Dylan Hill and his men just have to remain patient and know despite the results they're on the right track.
8. Dubbo Westside (last week: 8)
There's really not much to say about Westside that hasn't been said.
They're simply not up to the required standard at this point in time but the attitude and eagerness the players show each week is to be admired. This post from the club's social media account below sums it up.