The next two rounds for the Dubbo Kangaroos is all about momentum.
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Not building momentum towards finals, as was the goal at the start of the year, but for season 2022.
The Roos enter the final weeks of the regular season knowing they won't play finals but that's not any reason to throw in the towel, according to coach Paul Hausia.
Saturday's meeting with Cowra is the Roos' final home game for the year and that, combined with the chance to build some foundations for a successful 2022, is spurring Hausia and his players on.
"It's about keeping the boys motivated and positive and how we play towards the end of the season is what we want to maintain moving forward from here," Hausia said.
"We're still pretty strong but it's about keeping them positive. We've got two games and we'll take it game by game, but this weekend let's showcase what we can really do and I'm really looking forward to 2022."
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As loath as he has been to use injuries as an excuse this year, Hausia did point to more than 20 injuries across the club currently as a cause for frustration.
Many of those were season-ending blows which came earlier in the year while a stack of other players have missed a week or two at different times after suffering knocks.
In a boost, Jake Styles will return for Saturday's meeting with the Eagles and will be part of a backline which still has plenty of firepower.
This weekend let's showcase what we can really do.
- Paul Hausia
There's again going to be changes in the forward pack for the Cowra game but Styles will be part a backline also featuring Joe Nash, Hamish Gordon, Johnny Mafiti, Josh Bass, Charlie Kempston, and Maika Seresere.
The hope is they can put on a bit of show for supporters at No. 1 Oval in what is the Roos' family fun day.
There will be three junior games early in the day before three senior matches.
"Without those club supporters we wouldn't have a team so it would be good to showcase the fans and the following we do have," Hausia added.
Hausia isn't expecting anything less than a wholly committed performance against the Eagles, given that's what he has got from his side this year.
The injuries and a few lopsided scorelines have been hugely disappointing but the coach added you wouldn't know it off the field as he praised the culture withing the club.
"It makes it tough but the boys who have put their hand up throughout the season have impressed a lot of the coaches," he said.
"We've had a few young ones, 17, 18 and 19, getting a crack at first grade.
"Yes, the season has been tough but it's shown the true character of the boys."
First grade kicks off at 3.15pm on Saturday.
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