Boggabri coach Shane Rampling is expecting a tough physical encounter against Kootingal-Moonbi at Jubilee Oval on Saturday but believes his side can pull off a first round upset.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Taking the reigns at the Kangaroos after three seasons with the South West Robins (formally the West Lions), Rampling is optimistic about how the club is shaping up for the revamped Group 4 season.
That optimism has been fueled by a few different factors – what he has seen from them during the pre-season, a couple of key signings and greater depth.
“The biggest issue we had to deal with covering the guys that are unavailable every second weekend,” Rampling said.
Having an under-18s team has helped in that regard.
“We’re coming along pretty nicely. The boys have been training really well,” he said.
They go into the season on the back of a 22-20 win over last years first division grand finalists Narrabri in a recent trial.
“We took a lot of confidence out of that,” Rampling said.
“We were 22-12 at one stage. We had four under-18s sit on the bench for us. They all played really well.”
He particularly noted the Roos’ defensive effort.
“Our defence was pretty good in stages. We played in quarters. The second quarter we didn’t let any tries in,” Rampling said.
“Our combinations are still a work in progress. We got a few new guys at the club.”
Kyle Gallen and Kialu Brown are two of the new faces at the club this season and will form a very handy halves combination.
“We’ve got a really good strong forward pack and Kialu and Kyle in the halves to direct us around,” Rampling said, adding that they’ve still got a good core of players that have been over the last few years.
After struggling for depth last year, Rampling said the goal is to get 17 out every week and be competitive, but believes if they play to their potential the results can fall their way.
He has a fair idea what the Roosters are going to bring, especially with a few of his former Lions charges on their roster.
“They’ll be be strong across the park and they’ll have some good go-forward with Phil Beaton and Kyle Cochrane,” he said.
He spoke about the importance of matching them in the middle.
“Most games are won in the forwards. If you get a roll on it makes it easier for your halves,” he said.
“If we can match them early and stay with them and take our chances we can cause an upset.”
