SATURDAY'S Blowes Clothing Cup match against CSU Bathurst will give a good indication of the spirit in the Parkes Boars camp this season.
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Coming off a tough start to the season with two losses and a win, the Boars find themselves in the unfamiliar position of being in the bottom third of the competition ladder.
Parkes have been one of the heavyweights of the competition in recent seasons and will be hoping a win against the Students on Saturday can get their season back on track.
Compounding the Boars’ problems is the fact they will lose three of their best players - Dan Ryan, Mahe Fangupo and Amoni Vae- when they are away for most of May on NSW Country Cockatoo duties.
First grade co-coach Trevor Whitaker knows that while it is still early days in the competition, the next month could be vital to the Boars' chances this season.
“It’s time for the boys to step up and be counted,” Whitaker said.
“I believe the we have a very talented squad that does not solely rely upon only two or three players.
“A win tomorrow would be a great start to what is going to be a tough month for us."
Whitaker has no doubt his charges have what it takes to get their campaign rolling.
“We have the spirit and determination to turn the next three or four matches into a positive and really kick-start our season," the mentor said.
“The boys have overcome adversity before and I think they are in the right mind-set to do so again."
On top of the three Country representatives, the Boars will also miss the services of Mat Hunter and Luke Freeman, who are both unavailable due to work commitments.
On the plus side, Central West players Johnny Rathbone and Ben Ryan return this week after missing last week’s loss to Orange Emus.
George Davis will slot into the back row after a positive debut performance last week.
