The thought of playing off what could be the best forward pack in the Western Rams region is an exciting one for Macquarie Raiders halfback Matt Toole.
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It's not something he's exactly used to, either.
A former Group 11 premiership winner with Dubbo CYMS, Toole has previously been a part of sides that have relied on versatility, fitness, and speed but the Raiders' pack provides something else entirely.
The Raiders' potential hulking front-row rotation of Jack Kavanagh, Lopeti Mafi, Nick Harvey and Oliver Gordon wouldn't look out of place in a Western Rams squad while captain-coach Alex Ronayne is one of the premier back-rowers in Group 11.
Jordan Reynolds, Clayton Couley, and Caden Gordon are others in the mix while Blaine Gordon and Lindsay Thurgate are younger players pushing for a spot from reserve grade.
"It's probably the first side I've played in where we've been the bigger, more physical side," Toole said.
"A lot of the CYMS sides I was in, we were a lot smaller than the opposition. It's good and once that roll gets on we'll be pretty hard to stop, I think, with the outside backs we've got and obviously 'Aka' (Ronayne) and fellas like that can play off the bigger boys."
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And while Toole and his teammates are all too aware of the potential in their side, the halfback is calling for a more composed performance on Sunday when the Raiders head to Nyngan.
After an off-season filled with hype following the signing of a number of high-profile players, the Raiders never hit any great heights in round one and escaped Narromine with a 26-16 victory.
A second round bye followed that and the Group 11 general bye due to the NRL at Apex Oval comes after this weekend's match at Nyngan.
"We didn't perform didn't to our potential in the Narromine game," Toole said.
"They were a good side and we probably underestimated them a bit and were lucky to get the two points. It probably would have been better to have another game under our belt before Nyngan because they'll be handy."
Despite getting the win in round one, the performance at Narromine was frustrating as the Raiders were never able to get on a roll.
Some of that was due to the impressive and spirited performance from the Jets but ill-discipline and poor ball handling also played a major role.
We've got some good players so it should be a good year when things start to gel.
- Matt Toole
"We were a new side and all keen to prove a point in that new side and probably overplayed our hand a bit," Toole added.
"But saying that, we've got some good players so it should be a good year when things start to gel.
"We probably were too keen in our first game so building a bit of pressure-building and a bit of patience will go a long way to us improving."
The forward pack didn't get the chance to have a major impact in the round one win but Toole expects that to change sooner rather than later.
Changes to the pack are expected on Sunday, with Mafi and Harvey named in the front-row after starting on the bench in round one while Kavanagh moves from prop to lock and Gordon will come off the pine.
"I think the likes of Jack Kav, Nick Harvey, and Oli Gordon have all got a point to prove this weekend," Toole said.
Another intimidating atmosphere is expected at Larkin Oval on Sunday in what is the Tigers' first home game of the season.
Nyngan endured a poor start to their first match of the season at Forbes last week and trailed 20-0 at half-time but a rousing second-half performance secured a 26-all draw for the Jeremy Smith-led side.
"It's always physical out there. They're hard to play out there and they have been ever since juniors," Toole said.
"I'm dreading the away trip a little with the crowd out there but it will be a good game.
"Jeremy Smith, I'm mates with and he's a smart footballer. With him as captain-coach I don't think they'll be lacking in any department."
Kick-off is 2.30pm on Sunday.
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