Being top of the table this time of year is nothing new for Dubbo CYMS, but the Fishies' Jyie Chapman insists things do feel a little different heading into the final three rounds.
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CYMS is four points clear at the top of the ladder but the injury-hit squad is still no certainty to secure the minor premiership as the next two weeks consists of a tricky trip to Pionner Oval to take on a full-strength Parkes side, before a meeting with a surging Nyngan Tigers outfit.
Nyngan and the second-placed Wellington were described as "powerhouses" by Chapman, and he's adamant his side needs to go to the next level coming out of last weekend's general bye.
"This is when we start the race. Now we need to put our foot down and charge towards finals," the experienced centre said.
"It's Parkes and then Nyngan and these two next weeks we really need to put the foot down and take that into the finals."
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The Fishies are favourites to claim to claim the minor premiership and enjoy a week off in the first round of finals, and that is something that has been touched on within the camp.
While in past seasons former coach Tim Ryan seemed to do all he could to downplay the importance of the minor premiership, Chapman feels it's of particular value this season.
"The conversation is always there and it's in the back of your mind, especially this year with the competition so close," he said.
"We really need to step up and perform and get it sorted. We can't afford to lose this weekend and then go into a game with a tough Nyngan side needing a win."
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The biggest thing needed in order for CYMS to go to that next level is a tightening up of the defence.
Not the first time this year, the Fishies conceded the first try when they took on Forbes last time out.
The men in green and white worked their way back into the contest and after leading at half-time got the job done in the second.
"We just just rely on our attack getting us there at the end of games," Chapman said despite the winning record.
"We've got to start better and can't let that first try in always.
"We need to work on the defence. That's what it is, we know we can score tries.
"Especially this weekend against Parkes, they've got a good and big forward pack and with fellas who are quick at the back so the defence has got to be good this weekend and into finals.
"It's something we've worked on."
The sheer amount of injuries CYMS has endured in 2019 has also made it difficult to fine-tune the defensive structure, with the lineup undergoing vast changes almost every week,
"Since I've been here this is the worst year we've had with injuries," Chapman added.
"We're just lucky we've got the depth but we are slowly running out of that depth."
The return of winger Corey Drew will be a boost for the Fishies this weekend while the Spacemen are virtually at full strength with Sam Dwyer and Brandon Tago to start after missing much of the first half of the year due to injury.
Kick-off in Sunday's first grade match at Parkes is at 2.30pm.
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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.
