There's only three rounds of the Blowes Clothing Cup regular season left but the Dubbo Kangaroos continue to battle the same issues they did back on the opening weekend of the campaign.
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Namely a lack of consistency, an inability to execute and take opportunities at key times, and an ever-changing starting lineup.
Coach Simon Petelo admits it gets frustrating at times but through 12 rounds of the 2019 season the Roos are yet to drop their head.
They have no reason to either, with a real sense of belief having been instilled in the club while the side currently sits in the all important fourth spot and on track for a spot in the semi-finals.
"It does get frustrating but we've just got to stay positive and we've got that self belief and that's why we keep going," he said.
"The last couple of games things have dropped off a little but we're pretty positive about our capabilities and our system.
"We're really excited about putting together a good performance this weekend."
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After back-to-back losses to the competition's top two sides, Bathurst Bulldogs and Orange Emus, the Roos return home on Saturday to take on Orange City.
While City remains firmly rooted to the foot of the ladder without a win, much has been made of the side's improvement and attitude this season.
That's why Petelo isn't looking any further than Saturday, with a victory also a must ahead of clashes with third-placed Cowra and fourth-placed Forbes in the final two weeks.
"We'll solider on and cement that fourth spot and work to go into finals with some momentum and some consistency," Petelo said.
Simon Hegarty is out again this weekend as he continues to battle a shoulder injury but Jack Davis and George Woods return to the backline and Josh Howarth comes in to add some real size and strength up front.
Another big inclusion is captain and NSW Country Cockatoos representative Shaun McHugh, whose leadership was notably missing in last weekend's loss to Emus.
The last couple of games things have dropped off a little, but we're pretty positive.
- Roos coach Simon Petelo
The Roos were brilliant at times against the defending premiers but were made to pay for lapses as the greens ran riot during the middle stages of the game.
"We didn't execute but we're still upbeat," Petelo said, before speaking about the scintillating attack on show at times last round.
"We've got some really dynamic young players. 'Beachy' (Tim Beach) out wide is in the form of his career so we're always about early ball to him and with 'Goldy' (Anthony Golding) at fullback they really promote our attacking culture.
"We'll put the ball wide and use the width of the field. We're a fit and mobile side so we'll utilise those strengths."
Kick-off at No. 1 Oval is 3.15pm on Saturday.
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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.
