Results have never been the main priority for Wellington coach Graham Blackhall this year.
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The disruption caused by COVID-19 meant he was never allowed to run the type of pre-season program he wanted with the Cowboys ahead of the Western Youth League so he was not going to put too much pressure on his side heading into the Western Youth League.
But now, with finals on the horizon, he's got no doubt his side can still have a big impact in the competition.
The Cowboys head into this weekend's final round in third spot in the northern pool.
Finals are already guaranteed but a win at Dubbo over CYMS on Sunday would move the Cowboys into second while top spot would be a chance should Macquarie suffer a shock loss to a Mudgee side battling for numbers and form.
The ladder is still not the focus for Blackhall but he knows his group of up-and-comers, led by son Rylee and fellow NSW Country representative Elijah Colliss, can match anyone on its day.
"I like to set individual goals and if everyone achieves that it will show in the performance," Blackhall said.
"Then I feel the experience of Elijah, Rylee, and young Quincy Ross will really, really stand out in a tight game.
"When it's in finals and a game needs to be won you need that."
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The northern pool has been incredibly tight since the season started and three of the four teams being in contention for top spot in the final round is proof of that.
The Cowboys were edged out by Macquarie last weekend, going down 22-16, while they suffered a four-point loss to CYMS in the one previous meeting between the two sides this season.
There's been plenty of similarities between the three teams, with each capable of some scintillating attacking rugby league but lapses of concentration have been common, as well.
"There's been glimpses of really good potential but there's been glimpses of backyard rugby league but overall they're going well," Blackhall said, before speaking about his approach in a stop-start 2020.
"If I really wanted to set a high standard on them I never got the chance because there was no big pre-season.
"Some turned up a bit late so it was hard to develop them to where I'd like to be.
"We're at the development stage and giving a lot of feedback and I'm helping them to make sure they turn up and play again next year.
"The competition has been good and its been competitive and some other sides might have a fitness edge and the bounce of ball has been a big thing."
Halfback Blackhall, who spent time with Penrith's SG Ball side earlier in the year, will again be vital against the Fishies while the spark Colliss provides from dummyhalf has long been key for the Cowboys.
The second-placed CYMS is coming off a 70-6 win over Mudgee last weekend.
Kick-off is 10.30am at Apex Oval while Macquarie and Mudgee do battle from 11am outside the main ground on the junior footy fields.
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.
