Parkes captain Chad Porter will make his first appearance of the season this weekend and he's eager to steer around a Spacemen side with the most attacking threats on offer in some time.
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A hamstring injury suffered during a pre-season training session has kept the Western Rams halfback off the park but after the Spacemen enjoyed back-to-back byes the past two weeks he and young centre Jacob Smede are fit enough to start in Sunday's clash with the Nyngan Tigers.
Parkes has a win and a loss to its name from the opening weeks of the Group 11 season but Porter has no doubt his side has the quality to start stringing some strong performances together.
"I think we can give it a good crack this year," he said.
"We've got Benny (Cokanasiga) there in the front row this season, Jack Creith is back, we've got Bailey Hartwig.
"We'll get Sammy (Dwyer) back and I reckon it's the first time we've had a bit of strike all over the park."
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Star fullback Dwyer is still a few weeks away from returning from injury but the presence of Porter and Smede for the first time in 2021 is a real boost for the Brent Wood-coached Spacemen.
Smede will slot into a backline which also features Dennis Spathis, Brandon Paige and Wise Ratudina while Parkes junior Creith is shaping as one of the signings of the season having caught the eye since returning home.
Porter feels the Spacemen lineup is one of the strongest seen in recent times and he's eager to provide chances for the numerous attacking talents.
"It makes it easier. You don't have to worry about either edge and you've got players who can create something out of nothing," he said.
"We've got a pretty handy team this year."
Parkes' bench is also set to pack a punch on Sunday with Brandon Tago and Western Rams under 18s star Finnley Neilsen to enter the match from the pine.
For Nyngan, Josh Merritt is expected to make his first appearance of the season at halfback on Sunday.
Porter said his side won't be able to switch off against the Tigers, with Merritt also having plenty of attacking options at his disposal.
The Tigers have shown promise early in the season but are yet to score a win, with a round one bye followed by a draw with Forbes and a loss to the Macquarie Raiders.
Kick-off at Parkes on Sunday is at 2.30pm.
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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.
