The week hasn't been the only reason for some extra excitement and enthusiasm around the Dubbo Kangaroos camp this week.
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The whole club got behind its own during last weekend's NSW Country Rugby Union Championships and everyone at the Roos was thrilled to see Shaun McHugh, Mark Baldwin, and Tim Beach, as well as Kimberly Fyfe, return home as a champion of country.
McHugh, Baldwin, and Beach were all part of the Central West side which overpowered Illawarra in the Caldwell Cup final and all three are back in the Roos' side for Saturday's testing trip to take on the Cowra Eagles.
"They'be brought some enthusiasm and excitement and all the blokes have embraced it," Roos coach Simon Petelo said.
"Those three guys did really well and even though we might not be high up on the ladder it's good to see we're contributing players to representative football and we're all pleased they're representing our club."
Their return and boost is a timely one, as Petelo is eager to see his side kick on after a much-needed win over Forbes last time out.
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McHugh and Baldwin will again provide invaluable experience and tactical nous while Beach provides real punch from the backline, with Petelo singling him out as the side's best so far this year.
Last weekend's long weekend bye has allowed Petelo and his team to focus on the more technical aspects of the game during training sessions, with the lineout and direction in attack a real focus.
Converting chances into points at all stages of the game has been an issue at times for the Roos this season, but after things began to click in the 19-15 win over the Platypi Petelo is feeling positive.
"I think we turned the corner last game and we've had a really strong lineout that service to our backline creates a lot of opportunities," Petelo said.
"We haven't quite had that finishing touch thought and we've worked on being more direct in attack and also on playing the full 80 minutes.
"There had been a decrease in intensity after about 60 minutes but I think last game the coaching staff used the bench much more effectively."
The Roos head to Cowra in fourth spot and while the team has a clean bill of health and Petelo is feeling more confident with each passing week at the moment, the coach isn't getting carried away.
The Eagles may sit only one spot above the Roos but they are a convincing 14 points clear of the Dubbo side after being one of the standout teams so far this year, along with the Bathurst Bulldogs and Orange Emus.
The Eagles were also represented in the Caldwell Cup final, with powerhouses Joe Dakuitoga and Sailasa Taueki part of the Central West squad.
The Cowra team also heads into Saturday's game stinging after a 40-point hammering at the hands of Bulldogs last game.
"They're a very strong side and always heard to beat at home," Petelo said.
"But we're positive and if we produce a good performance it will give us a chance to come away with the right result.
"We're really looking forward to it."
Kick-off is 3.15pm at the Cowra Rugby Ground.
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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.
