There is a real sense of uncertainty around rugby league across the Western Rams area, with competition structure to be changed next year but the exact format of a new league involving clubs from both Group 11 and Group 10 is yet to be set in stone.

The Jets may be the most affected when the new era arrives as the club could be forced to drop back into a second-tier competition, largely due to the smaller population in Narromine, while the big clubs across the two premier leagues do battle.

So if this is to be the Jets' last season competing against the big boys, they want to make it one to remember.

The early signs are looking extremely positive as a hugely spirited Jets side produced one of the club's best performances in a recent times on Sunday when they matched the highly-touted Macquarie Raiders for long periods in the Group 11 opening round match at Cale Oval.

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The Raiders won 26-16 but that only told part of the tale.

The Jets, under the new leadership of captain-coaches Chad Jacobson and Ryan Richardson, had no fear against the Raiders and they were physical in defence, showed flair in attack, and looked every bit a close-knit and well-drilled unit.

Off the field, a bumper home crowd ensured there was no hot food left by half-time in the first grade match while the beer stocks were also running low.

"Me and the missus had to run down and get more beer. I think we had to do that twice," Jets president Mick Burns laughed.

"And we ordered overs knowing we'd have a bigger crowd because Macquarie always brings a good crowd and that's a credit to them.

"I couldn't be any more proud of our club today."

Burns was sure to let his players know that as well and that message wasn't just coming from him.

"I just spoke to the team after Ryan and Chad had a chat and said we're proud of them," he added.

"I moved along the sideline today and everyone was saying the same thing. They were saying 'this is awesome' and 'this is the Jets of old' and it's good because we've got a lot of local juniors playing and everyone can associate with that."

Two tries in the final 15 minutes secured the 10-point victory for the Raiders on Sunday.

Prior to that the Jets were firmly in the contest.

Luke Thompson delivered a powerhouse performance up front, bumping off defenders and making metres every time he ran the ball while his silky ball skills also set-up tries for Doug Potter and Osea Balemainasoso.

Thompson was well-supported in the forwards by Jordan Richardson and Ben Porters while Fijian flyers Ratu Roko, Wayage Neyo, and Balemainasoso provided the pace and power in the backline.

"I knew we'd be competitive but the boys just went to another level," Burns said.

The one downside for the Jets was what appeared a serious rib injury for Jacobson inside the first five minutes of the match.

Jacobson was in visible pain as he exited the field and was unable to return and Burns admitted "he could be out for awhile".

The Jets have the bye next round before a meeting with Wellington.

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