Dubbo Rhinos won their first game of the New Holland Cup season last weekend but face possibly their toughest task yet when the Parkes Boars visit for a round five clash at No. 1 Oval on Friday night.
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The Rhinos have shown signs of improvement over the last two weeks and captain Matt Graham said the side is eager to get back on the field.
"Getting that first win for the season, the boys can't wait to get back out there," he said.
While the New Holland Cup is traditionally played on Saturday afternoons, the Rhinos will play at the No. 1 Oval under lights on Friday but Graham is not too phased by the quick turn around or the idea of playing at night.
"It's a quick turn around and it should be a good night to get out there," he said.
Last year's premiers Parkes have scored three wins from as many games to start this season and Graham knows his side will be in for a tough match.
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"(They are) very physical, we know their pack was good last year and they won it last year," he said.
"It's not going to be an easy feat but we're up for the challenge."
As has been the case in the past, the Rhinos' discipline has been one of the side's weaknesses and across their last two matches they have conceded several penalties while having the opposition under pressure.
Graham admitted his side's composure under pressure will be the biggest factor if they are a chance of winning against Parkes.
"Just our discipline really. Against Narromine last week we gave away too many penalties around the ruck and everything like that," he said.
"If there's one thing we need to get out of our game it's penalties we are giving them 50 metres down the field and inviting them into the game."
Graham also noted that the side which broke through for the drought-breaking win against the Narromine Gorillas is unlikely to be tinkered with by coach Doug Sandry.
Rhinos back Dale Smith had himself a time out last weekend against Narromine scoring 15 of the sides 33 points and will be relied upon again along with fly-half Nash Forgione who is has gotten better as the season has continued.
In the other match of the round, CSU Bathurst will be looking to bounce back after a loss to Parkes last weekend when they host Mudgee on Saturday afternoon.
Parkes spoiled the 50 year anniversary of the CSU club with a tight 35-27 victory, finishing the game with 13 players due to two yellow cards.
The winless Narromine will welcome the bye this week.
Kick-off for the Rhinos first grade game is set for 7:30pm at No. 1 Oval.
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