LAST year Shaun McHugh managed just four games for the Dubbo Kangaroos in a season ruined by a back injury.
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But 2014 is looking much brighter.
Saturday's match at No.1 Oval against Orange Emus will be McHugh's fourth in a row and, with his back woes behind him, the experienced No. 8 is enjoying his football once again.
"Last year was pretty hot and cold. I missed half of 2012 after back surgery and I thought I was right but I got dropped in a lineout in training and was pretty sore," McHugh said.
"I played anyway but it just wasn't right. I struggled on, played four games but it wasn't right and eventually I decided the only thing that was going to fix it was time.
"It has all worked out well this year, there's been no dramas with it, just the usual stiffness after a game."
Under the guidance of new coach Paul Hennock, the Kangaroos have established themselves as front-runners in 2014.
They are undefeated after three matches and sit second on the ladder, just one bonus point behind Cowra.
One of their scalps so far has been two-time defending premiers Orange City, bringing to an end an unbeaten run that stretched back to August 2011.
McHugh said the win was satisfying but played down its significance and any suggestion his team are favourites.
"Ultimately it means nothing. It was nice to be the ones to end their run. It was satisfying, especially down there, but that was in round two. The problem with being front-runners is that every team aims up to play you and we were able to get them," he said.
"We're definitely not favourites. Orange City are still the favourites and Parkes are up there too. Look at the start Cowra have made. We've made a good start, but we don't deserve to be favourites."
A semi-final berth is the goal for 'Roos according to McHugh, although he said they will face stiff competition.
"The coaching team have been putting the pieces together and working hard to lift the performance across the grades. We have had a few second graders step up this year and they have been great," the No. 8 said.
There will be several changes to the team that beat the Bathurst Bulldogs 32-22 last week in Bathurst.
'Roos skipper Peter Nau, fullback Scott Burgess and Filisione Pauta will be away training with the Country Cockatoos squad. Ned Williams steps into hooker, and brothers Mitch and Matt Gersbach will come into the backline.
Simon Hegarty replaces the injured John Korff in the second row while halfback Wade Richardson replaces colt Brad Collins, who impressed on debut.
Saturday's match kicks off at 3.15pm at No.1 Oval.
DUBBO KANGAROOS: 1 Pete Graham, 2 Ned Williams, 3 Enoch To'Ofohe, 4 Simon Hegarty, 5 James Elliott, 6 DJ O'Shea, 7 Brad Pugh, 8 Shaun McHugh, 9 Wade Richardson, 10 Teddy Bates, 11 Jason Coyle, 12 Max Ma'A Nelson, 13 Mitch Gersbach, 14 Matt Gersbach , 15 James Mata.
