NORTH Tamworth mauled the Gunnedah Bulldogs at home last week and will be looking to take that bite into tomorrow’s local derby at Jack Woolaston Oval as the Diggers take another shot at the premiers.
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Following a season for the history books last year, the Bears’ unbeaten run ended a few rounds ago when a rejuvenated Wests Lions sprung a surprise 30-28 defeat on them at home.
The Bears bounced back to beat Narrabri the following week 44-18 before keeping fellow grand finalists Gunnedah scoreless in a 90-0 win last week at Kitchener Park that was essentially a warning shot from the premiers.
“We defended really well and just tired them out,” Russ said of the win.
“Maybe the loss was the kick in the bum we needed to remind ourselves that it is not going to be easy.”
The premiers are looking to build their season on defence, playing simple footy and winning the battle in the middle first, knowing that they have the backs to score points after.
“We have been really tight and were forcing turnovers last week,” Russ said.
The Bears’ front row was firing in the big win, with Bill Jeffrey and Luke Byrnes making plenty of metres, but it was back rowers Shane-Lee Wadwell and James Cooper who impressed the coach with their support on the ball.
“They were great taking the ball forward when the front rowers were tired,” Russ said.
“Luke Byrnes’s energy in the middle has been awesome.
“We are communicating and problem-solving really well.”
Russ is looking to take that same defensive mentality into tomorrow’s game and close the Diggers out of it.
Chris Hunt has added a lot of different options for the second-year venture, who were unlucky not to take a maiden victory last weekend, Narrabri scoring late points to win by four after Diggers had led most of the way.
“They have improved out of sight,” Russ said.
“We just have to make sure we don’t let them score points.”
“When our defence is like that, we get plenty of confidence from it and the points come.”
The premiers will be without five-eight Abel Carney who will sit out one week with a rib injury but are otherwise full-strength.
While Gunnedah lick their wounds with a bye, the top-of-the-table West Lions will make their second trip to Narrabri on Sunday after the opening of Scully Park was pushed back.
