Dubbo CYMS' often-underrated forward pack was vital in Sunday's win over Parkes but more changes loom in the coming weeks.
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Captain-coach Jarryn Powyer has nailed down his starting forwards in recent weeks and it was he and fellow front-row partner Ben Marlin who stood tall in Sunday's 10-point Group 11 win over the Spacemen.
A break from Marlin in the first set of the game led to the opening try for the Fishies, while both props scored second half tries in the gripping contest.
But Powyer now has a choice to make for next round's clash with the hulking Nyngan Tigers, with Marlin set to head overseas this week.
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"We lose him for a couple of weeks and that's a real shame," Powyer said after Sunday's 44-34 win.
"We'll be looking to get another middle man in there now to lead the way.
"Marlo is having the best season he's had so I can't believe he's leaving us now, but Billy Sing and Hayden Chapman has been coming off the bench and putting a dent in them, too.
"As the year goes on and everyone gets more match fitness that will be key for us."
Often highlighted for being a smaller pack, the athleticism and versatility of the Fishies was on show during Sunday's win.
Roles interchanged at times while there was moments when Marlin found himself at dummyhalf and lock Sing found himself at second receiver on more than one occasion.
We lose him for a couple of weeks and that's a real shame
- Jarryn Powyer on Ben Marlin
Fellow back-rower Alex Ronayne scored a first half try after a slick shift from left-to-right while Powyer and Marlin both showed great strength to cross late on.
The result, CYMS' fifth win from as many games, means the Fishies are now four points clear at the top of the ladder.
Four teams are then next locked on six points, Nyngan being one those.
"I've said over and over we're still building but it's a big challenge next week and we look forward to that straight away now," the captain-coach said.
"We're not looking at anything else."
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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.
