The Macquarie Raiders may have lost three straight matches but are showing plenty of positive signs ahead of Sunday's match against the Narromine Jets at Apex Oval.
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Raiders hooker Kane McDermott feels the side can still are in a good place coming into the match after a loss to cross-town rivals Dubbo CYMS last weekend.
"Even though we are coming off a loss, it was a very close game and could've gone either way," he said.
"There are a few positives were can take away from it.
"They're [CYMS] the benchmark and we only fell to Wellington by a few points so it's positive.
"It's better than the last few years at this point of the season."
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The Raiders have had several new additions to their first-grade squad this season and McDermott knows the side is starting to come together as the second half of the season begins.
"It's taken a bit for every to gel together but I think now we have gelled and starting to play together as a team," he said.
"Now we have a few games together, it's only going to get better from here."
While the Jets may not have won a game this year, McDermott and the Raiders are not taking them lightly.
"They're always a good side," he said.
"In round one, it was a pretty close game but I think everyone was not used to playing footy.
"It was the first game for everyone in a long time.
"Hopefully we go out there and play our best."
The Raiders will still be without Western Rams representative Oliver Gordon is still out with injury while Richie Peckham is in doubt after a head knock last weekend.
Adding to the unavailable list, prop Jack Kavanagh who was suspended for one match after being found guilty of a reckless/careless high tackle last week but McDermott knows there is more than enough depth in the club to cover
"A few of the boys are injured but we have a few good reserve graders and juniors coming up so it should be good," he said.
Traditionally a hooker, McDermott has rotated with Richie Peckham and Matt Toole this season and has enjoyed his new role.
"It's good to play with those boys," he said.
"They're a bit more experienced but it's good.
"I've only ever really played hooker and I'm playing all over the park so it's good and I enjoy it."
Macquarie currently sits in fourth on equal points with Parkes but will need a strong run home to stay in touch with the top two sides in CYMS and Wellington.
In the rounds other games, the Forbes Magpies will host the Wellington Cowboys at Spooner Oval.
Parkes Spacemen will host the current ladder leader Dubbo CYMS side at Pioneer Oval while the Nyngan Tigers have the bye.
The kick-off for the first-grade match is scheduled for 2:30pm.
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