The Rhinos are closing in on three years without a victory, outside a forfeit, in the New Holland Agriculture Cup but there's been real signs of progress in their opening two games of 2021.

On Saturday the Rhinos are on the road, travelling to take on a Narromine Gorillas side which is also yet to win this season.

The weekend may appear a genuine chance for the Rhinos as the Gorillas look little like the side which dominated the competition in recent years, but coach Doug Sandry is still urging caution.

"Narromine in Narromine is always tough," he said.

"It's not going to matter what side they put out there. Narromine will be physical and hard to beat.

"It's in their own backyard and the Gorillas don't like to lost at home so they'll be ready so we have to be better in those little one percenters and get them right and worry about our game and make sure we play the whole 80 minutes."

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The consistency from whistle-to-whistle remains the biggest thing for the Rhinos.

There's been flashes of real quality and real desire in the opening losses to Mudgee and CSU but on both occasions a lapse has allowed the opposition the gain the upper hand.

"I think we're pretty close to being there," Sandry said.

"Saturday hurt because I thought for 60 per cent of the match we were the better side.

"There was a 100m try off an intercept and 70m try from a steal when we pushing their line so it was a bitter pill to swallow.

"The way we finished the game was fantastic and we're in the right space. We think we're there."

In a boost for the Rhinos, Tyrone Fleming and Dale Smith return this week.

Fleming is back following his suspension after being sent off 10 minutes into his Rhinos debut against Mudgee.

The off-season recruit was named at No. 8 for that game but he's expected to start in the front-row on Saturday after James Dodd injured his ankle during last weekend's match.

While Sandry would rather have the experience of Dodd in his lineup, he feels the forward pack is now in a better shape after a couple of testing weeks against physical sides.

"Our forward pack will be a bit stronger and a little bigger up front," Sandry said.

"There's a bit of a change but Tyrone is bigger body and a taller unit and there's a few slight changes and tinkers and I think we'll be very strong.

"The two hit-outs against the Mudgee and CSU packs really got us in good stead, I think."

Smith slots back into fullback after missing the Mudgee match and will provide "that real flair and speed at the back".

Sandry continues to sing the praises of flyhalf Nash Forgione, describing him as a "rock" for his side, and his halves partnership with fellow new recruit Teahu Baker is also improving.

"They're running the forwards fantastically and once we get clean ball I'm pretty certain Kelelvi (Ralulu), Matty Williams, Dale, and Kieren Hill out the back will get heaps of room and the opportunities will come."

Saturday's match at Cale Oval will kick-off at 3.15pm.

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