Tamworth Swans coach Paul Kelly is operating under no illusions – a win over in-form Inverell at home on Saturday would be a major upset.
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The Swans go into the round three clash with an ordinary preparation. Having been thumped 127-41 by Narrabri in round one, Tamworth then went into the Easter break with a bye.
The side’s training for today’s clash has been hampered by them having a significant number of players away over Easter.
And the Swans know the team that will arrive in Tamworth today has won its opening two matches of the season, including a last start 103 to 34 hammering of Narrabri. To pull of the upset, Kelly told his players they had to “punch above their weight” – like usual.
“We’ve got to try and learn from that (opening round) loss,” he said. “Pick out the positives. Pick out the negatives and work on that.”
Kelly is looking for the Swans to show improvement down the middle against the Saints.
He expects Inverell to again be taller across the park, which he hopes his players counter with speed.
“We’ve got a couple of key players out, which makes it tougher for us,” he said. “Hopefully we can just run the ball a bit faster than them. That’s the plan.”
Kelly hopes to control the centre through Graham Tulich, Damien Wendt and his son, Tom. “I’m looking to them to have big games, to give us first use of the ball,” he said.
Kelly said Ed George on the wing would also be a key player by giving the side “a bit more run around the ground”.