Dubbo CYMS is determined to get its bid for the Group 11 minor premiership back on track on Saturday after producing one of the "worst performances in recent years" last weekend.
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CYMS was well below its usual high standard in attack and defence during last weekend's 28-8 loss to Wellington.
It was the Fishies' first loss of the season and the result moved the Cowboys into a share of top spot heading into the final five rounds of the season.
The Cowboys are expected to get the job done against a Narromine side still without a win this weekend, making Saturday's clash at Apex Oval even more important.
"We definitely need to get a win," CYMS co-captain Jyie Chapman said ahead of the clash with Forbes.
"We really need to turn up and turn things around from last weekend and use it to go forward for the rest of the season.
"Last week we were sloppy and everyone knows it and everyone who was there can probably say it was one of our worst performances in recent years, so this weekend we really need to improve on our attack and move forward."
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Chapman was taking nothing away from the Cowboys and said the 2019 premiers were "awesome" in their victory, but he knows his side can be a lot better.
A handful of injuries and coach Shawn Townsend's tweaks to the starting lineup have changed things a little in recent weeks and Josh Toole will again miss Saturday due to an ankle complaint.
In a major boost, both Brad Pickering and Ben Marlin have been named to return.
Both add a huge amount to the side and Pickering will slot back into the number six jersey but it's Marlin's return to the front row which could have the biggest impact.
He's one of the toughest footballers I've played with.
- Jyie Chapman on Ben Marlin
One of the most underrated players in the Fishies' squad, the work-rate and intensity of the prop has been missed in the past three games.
"We majorly missed him in the middle last week and against Parkes too, when he's not on the park in the middle it makes a big, big difference," Chapman said.
"He's one of the toughest footballers I've played with. A lot of people underestimate him but he's probably one of the most important players in our team. He and 'Jazz' (Jarryn Powyer) lead the pack and they're two leaders the club has had for awhile.
"To have him back is unreal and it should push us forward."
Marlin has been named on the bench by Townsend, with Powyer and James Stanley to again start in the front row.
Pickering's return allows Ali Beale to revert to fullback and Jordi Madden drops out of the squad while youngster Jayden Hyde has been named to debut on the wing.
While a win is the obvious goal, getting back to the peak level of performance is what CYMS wants most this weekend.
Following the Forbes match the side meets the last-placed Narromine before a bye and then difficult clashes with Nyngan and local rivals Macquarie in the final two rounds.
Chapman set setting the tone for the rest of the rest of the rest of the season this weekend is vital as the side has its target set on another minor premiership.
"At this time of the year and in this competition, which is probably one of the strongest Group 11 competitions there's been for awhile across the board, I think it is of major importance to get the minor premiership," he said.
Forbes comes into the match have been one of the big disappointments in the competition up to this point.
The Magpies have just the one win to their name and while they suffered another loss at Nyngan last weekend coach Cameron Greenhalgh was keen to point out there were positive signs and improvement in the performance.
Chapman added the Magpies can never be taken lightly, given the CYMS and Forbes clubs have played out some classic contests in recent years.
The action at Apex Oval on Saturday starts with the league tag at 12pm, with first grade set to kick-off at 3pm.
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