Melbourne Rising captain Nick Stirzaker said his team is putting pressure on itself for the NRC season.

It’s the simple buzzword surrounding the Melbourne Rising camp following their open training session at Wade Park yesterday.

The Rising head into today’s National Rugby Championships with NSW Country Eagles, at the same venue, strong favourites after four blistering bonus point wins from as many games, and a clinical captain’s run yesterday.

Having defeated North Harbour Rays (55-34), Sydney Stars (45-13), Brisbane City (79-18) and Perth Spirit (44-24), the Melbourne side, seemingly, should romp home over the Eagles today - despite NSW Country sitting second, with three wins and a loss.

However, as any rugby aficionado knows, what’s on paper never tells the full story. That’s what Rising halfback and skipper Nick Stirzaker said prior to his side’s captain’s run.

“We’re expecting a lot of ourselves, rather than pressure from others,” Stirzaker said.

“We’re very motivated about continuing to do well. We’re really just looking forward to playing the same brand of footy we have been.”

Despite the Rising’s huge win over Brisbane, the one team to beat the Eagles, Stirzaker said his side is refusing to become complacent.

“We certainly aren’t underestimating them,” he said.

“They had a big trip to Lismore last weekend, and I know the NSW Country boys are keen for this game so we’re expecting a tough one, and I imagine there will be a pretty big crowd, very loyal.

“Our preparation has been good, we’ve had a longer week having played last Thursday. We’re looking forward to it.”

Melbourne coach Sean Hedger, a former Orange Emu, echoed his captain’s words ahead of the clash.

“We’re really just focused on winning the game,” Hedger said.

“Our set piece has been working for us, so we’ll be looking to work off our line-outs and scrums. “NSW Country have a big forward pack, with plenty of experience. We’re expecting a bit hit out.”

Kick off is at 3pm.

MELBOURNE RISING: 1 Cruze Ah-Nau, 2 Pat Leafa, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 4 Sam Jeffries, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 6 Luke Jones, 7 Sean McMahon, 8 Lopeti Timani, 9 Nick Stirzaker (c), 10 Jack Debreczeni, 11 Joe Kamana, 12 Mitch Inman, 13 Tom English, 14 Rennie Lautolo-Molimau, 15 Telusa Veainu; Bench: 16 Tom Sexton, 17 Tuiatua Tuia, 18 Fereti Sa’aga, 19 Pom Simona, 20 Sione Taufa, 21 Ben Meehan, 22 Lloyd Johansson, 23 Shane Imo.