Last year was nothing like the Guildford Owls expected.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The side underestimated the quality of bush footy and was handed a belting from Dubbo CYMS in the inaugural Challenge Cup grand final.
It was a result which embarrassed the Owls and they were left to watch the Fishies celebrate after being crowned the best club side in the state.
This weekend offers a chance for redemption, and Owls coach Paul Fletcher knows his players are willing to put in the work this time.
"This year we've got the attitude of putting on the overalls and taking off the dinner suits," he said.
After blitzing the early rounds of the 2019 Challenge Cup, the Owls return to Apex Oval on Saturday to meet CYMS in the grand final for the second successive year.
"Our performance last year was embarrassing," Fletcher said of the 62-18 demolition.
"There's only about seven from last year's side coming back and I've told the new guys we haven't got the right to underestimate anyone.
"CYMS is a very good football side."
When looking at the Guildford team list it's clear to see this is a game the club is taking seriously.
After a number of fringe players were given a chance last year, this time all the big names will take part.
Matt Ryan, who played in the NRL with Parramatta, captains the side from the second-row while former Cronulla Shark Penani Manumalealii provides plenty of spark from five-eighth.
Manumalealii will be one to watch, but it's the Owls forwards which will go a long way to deciding the contest.
Highly regarded within the Ron Massey Cup, the Owls pack features the likes of another former NRL player in Taniela Lasalo as well as Blake Judd and David Harris.
"Blake Judd, he was in the South Sydney system and payed under 20s and had a bright future in front of him," Fletcher said.
"But he's had a lot of injuries and is really rebuilding his career now.
"Our middle is strong it's well-known in our competition we've got one of, if not the strongest, middle in the competition.
"Hopefully they lay the platform."
READ ALSO:
The Owls are again expected to have a real size advantage on Saturday and if they can get over the top of the CYMS pack then Manumalealii and fullback Dom Reardon, one of his side's best in 2019, will thrive.
Fletcher knows he's got the talent at his disposal to defeat CYMS, and the attitude this time around is also far better.
"They're a good football side and I think there was a little disrespect (last year) but now we're fully aware of what they're capable of," he said.
What is of concern to the coach his side's inconsistency so far this season.
After strong performances in the Challenge Cup in pre-season, the Owls thumped Wyong 40-0 in the semi-final, the side has been stuttering during the first half of the Ron Massey Cup season.
The Guildford side heads to Dubbo after back-to-back losses in its last two games and sits sixth on the ladder, with four wins from 10 games.
"We win one and then lose one so I'm hoping and expecting a vast improvement in energy," Fletcher said, adding the mental toughness and resilience needs to be better.
"We're getting into the game and then we fade out and the game gets away from us."
Kick-off at Apex Oval on Saturday is at 3pm.
Do you want more sport from the Dubbo region? Sign up to our newsletters here:
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.
