For all the talk around ex-NRL players and those with a huge amount of Sydney experience lining up in the Presidents Cup this season, the belief at Dubbo CYMS hasn't wavered.
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While there is a wealth of bush footy knowledge within the side, the Fishies still have one of the more inexperienced rosters in the competition and that has played a part in the side's results so far this season.
Captain-coach Jarryn Powyer and his men head into this weekend's meeting with the Wentworthville Magpies with just one win to their name so far.
The Magpies also have just the one win and have battled at times in the cup but their lineup still features players like winger Ethan Parry, who was playing in the NRL for Parramatta only last year, while centre Omar Slaimankhel played with the New Zealand Warriors in the past while he also enjoyed a stint in Japanese rugby union.
But despite that, the Fishies still head into Saturday's match at Apex Oval with confidence and one of the strongest lineups they've fielded so far this season.
"There's always been the belief," CYMS president Mick Fraser said of the playing group.
"They've enjoyed the challenge and the change and chance to see where they're at as bush footy players."
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CYMS have some big names of their own and ex-NRL premiership winner Jayson Bukuya will be back on Saturday after missing the past two games through injury.
Tony Pellow also returns at fullback after missing the most recent loss to Glebe Burwood with concussion but Wade Kavanagh hasn't recovered from a head knock in time to take his place.
CYMS sits seventh on the nine-team ladder and needs to win each of its three final matches to be a chance of finishing in the top four.
Boosting those chances for the Fishies is back-to-back homes games this weekend and next.
The meeting with the Magpies is followed by a battle with the Thirroul Butchers before a final round trip to Sydney for a match against the Hills Bulls.
"Winning is always important," Fraser added.
"Just for morale and it makes you feel good. The boys have been close but close just hasn't been good enough."
Kick-off is 1pm on Saturday, with CYMS' Western Youth League match against Mudgee the curtain-raiser at 11.30am.
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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.
