It has been another tough year on the field for the Armidale Rams A-grade team.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Currently win-less, they've been hit with injuries and on the receiving end of some enormous scorelines.
Coach Luke Kirkby is passionate about the young squad who plenty of people touted as having huge potential and had one request heading into this Sunday's match against reigning premiers the Boomerangs in Moree.
"Play for the jersey, play because you want to play," he said.
"Against Narwan, no one really wanted to be there on the field and it kind of broke my heart.
"But it is a new week and hopefully the boys just play because they love the game.
"That is all I ask for.
"Enjoy being out on the field, enjoy being with the bloke next to you.
"I am trying my hardest."
Kirkby hasn't decided on the final 17 who will take the field against a "red hot" Boomerangs outfit on their home turf but is hoping to include a few players who will boost the enthusiasm of the side.
"At the end of the day, on the bright side for us, we have Damien Dussart back for us," he said.
"He is just a nut to be honest.
"Hard, relentless, enthusiastic, he is a good complement for Scotty Mac [McIntyre].
"They are both as hard as nails and love going into war with each other.
"And then I am back this week to play, and Jack Kingdom will be playing in the halves this week.
"We get a young bloke who is making his debut this week, Cormack Hume, he has been killing it in the 18s in a losing side all year. He has probably been our best player for the 18s.
"He is going to debut this weekend off the bench."
Also on the day, the Rams are at long odds to field an under-18 team.
They are also hoping for a reserve grade team to travel.
The Armidale league tag team will take on the third-placed Boomerangs side.