The Dubbo Kangaroos under 17s Blues side features two of the most exciting young players in the bush but coach Jason Blake is adamant it will take more than his halves firing to win this weekend's grand final.
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The Roos take on Orange City in Saturday's Central West Junior Rugby Union decider, and the young Lions have the benefit of home ground advantage at Pride Park.
But its Roos who will feature two of the game's standout individuals, with scrumhalf Jack Bell and flyhalf Jayden Blake looking to cap hugely successful seasons with premiership glory.
Both have represented NSW Country this season and both achieved individual success as Blake was awarded the honour of NSW Country junior player of the year while Bell showed his class by earning a spot in the higher age country colts side.
"Those two and the experience they have ... they're pivotal in all our play," coach Jason Blake said, taking time to praise the year each has had.
"Jack is mature beyond his years ... he's an extremely good footballer and has a smart brain and can really capitalise on opportunities as well as providing clean ball.
"Jayden has grown up a fair bit this year and matured in his football and his knowledge as well. He's been really enjoying his football."
But it isn't all about the pair of talented youngsters.
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Due to all the representative rugby they have played, the duo has missed a number of club games this season and that has forced teammates to find a new gear and drive the Roos on.
With the players coming in and out and a number of injuries it hasn't been all smooth sailing, but there's no denying it's been a complete team effort to get the side to where it is now.
"Those two can't do their jobs unless everyone else is doing a role," Blake added,
"You've got to be consistent across all 15 players."
Blake said the focus as well as the performances went up and down this season but the "attitude and commitment" has turned around in recent weeks.
That helped the side down minor premiers Mudgee in the major semi-final to earn passage through to the decider.
Mudgee was then bounced out by Orange City in the preliminary final and come into the decider as the underdog but with plenty of confidence.
"City has got a bigger forward pack than us in size and weight but we play an expansive style and don't get in that arm wrestle," Blake said.
The forwards still play a huge role for the Roos, with quick and clean ball to Bell vital to the side's chances.
Blake went on to say the quartet of Willie Nelson, Will Schwager, Taine Marchant and Connor Watts have set the platform up front and been vital in the recent success.
Kick-off is 12pm, Saturday at Orange's Pride Park.
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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.
