WEST Lions are going to have to stay switched on in defence for the full 80 minutes this weekend if they want to go clear top of the Group 4 table with a highly-anticipated local derby and replay of last year’s grand final against North Tamworth headlining a big weekend of rugby league across the region.
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Last season the two clubs were in a two-horse race at the top of the ladder all season, both beating the other at home before the Bears launched an impressive come from behind win in the major semi-final at Scully Park and then repeating the dose with a decisive victory in the grand final at Jack Woolaston Oval a fortnight later.
This year the two sides are already four points ahead of third after just four rounds and, with vastly different playing styles, this Sunday’s match at Scully Park will be a litmus test for both clubs.
Lions coach Shane Rampling said that despite going in a few players short, the team was looking forward to the challenge of playing the benchmark team of the competition.
“It is going to be a tough game,” Rampling said.
“As long as we compete and put in a full effort I will be happy.”
Rampling wants the Lions to ramp up their defence and get up in the Bears’ faces early to stop the textbook roll-on that the premiers use so well to grind out wins.
“I want to see a more aggressive attitude in defence,” he said.
“We need to stay focused and learn to put teams away.”
Wests will be without dummy half Tyler Fleming who broke his thumb against Narrabri last week, while centres Andrew Taputoro and Brayden Johnson are also on the injury list.
Scott Hunt and Billy Winsor will share the dummy half roles, although it has been Hunt’s brother Chris and halfback Sam Taylor who have been the most dangerous players for the Lions this season, and the pair will be looking to lead the way again this week.
“Sam (Taylor) is the best halfback in the competition by a country mile and was the difference last week,” Rampling said.
“We have got plenty of points in us but need to be patient and tighten our defence around the ruck.
“If we can play mistake-free, be patient and get in their face we can beat any team.”
In other Group 4 matches Gunnedah will travel to Narrabri with both teams currently tied in third, while Diggers will head to Armidale with both sides fighting for their first win of the season.
