A trip to Bathurst during the first weekend of winter to take on an undefeated and rampant CSU side may seem like the last thing the winless Dubbo Rhinos would want to be a part of.
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But things couldn't be further from the truth heading into Saturday's New Holland Agriculture Cup clash.
The trip to Bathurst is not only one the Rhinos are looking forward to, it's one their hoping to take inspiration from as well.
Seeing the CSU side in full flight can is proof to the Rhinos things can turn around quickly.
This time last year the students sat at the bottom of the ladder, battling to find a win and seemingly out of the finals race.
But from there they went on an almighty run, one that finished just one game short of the 2018 grand final.
That picked up where they left off this season and are sitting pretty at the top of the ladder having not yet lost while producing some scintillating attacking displays.
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"We're not giving up," Rhinos coach Brett Austin said of his side.
"CSU was in this position last year and finished one win from the grand final. Fourth spot is still achievable."
Parkes sits in the all-important fourth spot at the moment, nine points ahead of the Rhinos.
Making ground on the Boars won't be easy this weekend and the expected absence of Chris Sellings makes it that little tougher for the Rhinos.
Sellings was red carded for fighting in last weekend's loss to Blayney and Austin doesn't expect him to feature.
"We plead guilty. That's not good enough and not what we're about," Austin said.
"It was a weak point ... but he can come back better from it. I got long suspension a few years ago and when that happens it can just snap you out of it."
Jason Caddies is expected to take on the number jersey having developed well into the role in second grade and off the bench in firsts this season.
He's someone Austin is keen to see take a chance, while the coach is also eager to see Brent Shoard in action again.
Shoard debuted for the side last weekend and was a standout at flanker in the loss to Blayney. This weekend who could switch to centre to combat CSU star Regan Hughes.
Stopping he and flyhalf Jack Keppel is vital.
"If yo don't target CSU in the forwards then you're not fair dinkum," Austin said.
"You can't run around the students, you've got to have your defence switched on, realign, and have a lot of talk."
Kick-off is 3.15pm at University Oval.
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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.
