Back-to-back wins created a positive feeling around the Macquarie Raiders and things only got better this week when it was confirmed three key forwards would be returning on Sunday.
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Oliver Gordon, Jordan Reynolds, and Nick Harvey will all be back on deck for the trip to Forbes and the timing couldn't be any better for captain-coach Alex Ronayne.
Representative star Gordon and premiership winner Reynolds, in particular, have missed a large chunk of the season but their experience and ability is a welcome addition ahead of the final four rounds of the regular season.
"It's a big advantage," Ronayne said of getting his forward pack towards full strength.
"We're a lot bigger than other teams so it's going to be good. Once those boys start going forward we can get Wyndham Peachey playing off the back of them and it's going to be scary."
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Peachey has been a standout at five-eighth since joining the club mid-season and he and halfback Richie Peckham could thrive on Sunday if the Macquarie pack - also featuring Jack Kavangh, Lopeti Mafi, and Clayton Couley - sets a strong platform.
That may seem a genuine possibility as well, given the Raiders are taking on a Forbes side which was thumped 66-6 by CYMS last weekend, but Ronayne isn't taking anything for granted.
As much as Forbes has struggled this season, the Magpies will remain in the finals race if they win their last three matches of the season and Ronayne knows that will be plenty of motivation for Sunday's hosts.
"They'll be throwing everything at us," he said.
"They're always good. People are writing Forbes off but you know what you get when you got to Forbes.
"It's like going to Nyngan or Wellington. They're tough footy players who love to play footy.
"They're going to be strong and I'm looking forward to the test."
The loss of star outside back Mitch Andrews is a huge blow for Forbes but with the likes of Nick Greenhalgh and Ben Maguire still in the lineup the Raiders' captain-coach said his team won't be looking further than Sunday.
The Raiders also have plenty of motivation of their own, as Ronayne is determined to cement third spot and continue the push for a top two finish.
Last weekend's win over Nyngan was one box ticked, but the goal now is continual improvement into the finals.
After Forbes, Macquarie will meet Parkes, Wellington, and CYMS in what is a difficult run home.
"We really want third or second spot and last week was good," Ronayne said.
"It's just getting the boys into that winning vibe and makes them hungry to win more games.
"Training was better and when you're winning everyone is having fun.
"It's good to be around."
Kick-off is 2.30pm on Sunday.
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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.
