WESTERN Rams under 16s head into Saturday’s Country Rugby League Regional Championship decider against hosts Greater Northern Tigers as undeniable favourites.
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The Rams ran rampant in the opening rounds of the championship held in Wollongong, the young side scoring 84 points in two matches and conceding just four against rivals Central Coast and Southern Red backs.
Rams coach Cameron Greenhalgh, from Forbes, said a similar approach will go a long way to securing the Ron Lanesbury Shield today.
“We were outstanding in those opening two games,” Greenhalgh said.
“If we keep that same attitude going ... I’ll be really happy.”
Greenhalgh, who led Group 11 to championship glory in 2012, said he was wary of Western’s Northern opponents, appearing in their second consecutive country championship final after defeating Southern Stingrays 30-16 and East Coast Dolphins 28-6 to qualify for the decider.
“There’s no doubt they’ll be strong and from all reports they are very good from one to 17,” he said.
“We’ve just got to aim up on the opposite number and go from there.”
Greenhalgh said the key to success was Western’s halves and hooker before also nominating Orange CYMS front-rower Jack Bastick’s performance as crucial.
“His attitude is outstanding, and he played very well in Wollongong,” he said.
“As our biggest body, we need that sort of energy, and go-forward again tomorrow. “
The game will double as a selection trial with several Western players vying for a NSW Country jersey. The squad will be announced at the conclusion of the tournament.
The Rams went into camp on Thursday night before travelling to Tamworth on Friday ahead of Saturday’s clash at Tamworth’s Scully Park, which kicks off at 10am.