The Dubbo Kangaroos have impressed in patches this season but with the season now approaching its midway point the focus is on putting together a complete performance.
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The Roos’ have won four and lost two so far this Blowes Clothing Cup season, those losses coming against contenders Forbes and Bathurst Bulldogs.
Brad Pugh played in both of those matches and said the biggest reason for the losses, and the biggest thing the Roos can learn from, is the fact they didn’t compete for the full match.
“We’re sitting fourth and the two games we lost got away from us,” he said.
“We led about 15-5 or 20-5 in both, they were very similar, but we let it slip in the second half and if we can put in for the full 80 minutes then we’ll go a long way.
A 40 or 50 minute effort is not good enough against the top sides.
- Brad Pugh
“But just a 40 or 50 minute effort is not good enough against the top sides.”
This weekend the Roos play host to the Mudgee Wombats who, so far, have not been one of the top sides in the competition.
The Wombats are winless and only in front of a CSU side which had points deducted for forfeits in lower grades.
Pugh, who has been among the Roos’ best every week this season, admitted he is unsure what to expect from the Mudgee side at No. 1 Oval on Saturday.
“When other Mudgee sides have come across they’ve put in a good effort but it sounds like they’re really struggling,” he said.
“But they’ll be keen and they would love to cause an upset but hopefully our strength from 1-15 will get us the result.”
It’s not just the starting lineup, which has been tinkered with plenty in the early rounds, that has impressed for the Roos.
A number of players, including colts, have got the chance in first grade and Pugh stated that is a good sign.
Reuben Williams is one player who has made a position in the forwards his own and even represented Central West this season having been a fringe first grader in recent years while young guns Angus O’Connor, Kyle Gibson and Charlie Laurie have all been given a chance in the top grade.
“A guy like Reuben … he’s taken the opportunity to play at the higher level with both hands and guys like Luke Ryan and Hamish Gordon played colts with us so it’s good,” Pugh said.
“I’m one of the older guys now. It’s funny how it can all change in a couple of years but it’s good to have that experience and those calm heads there as well.”
The Dubbo Kangaroos play host to the Mudgee Wombats from 3.15pm at No. 1 Oval on Saturday.