AS much as Cowra fullback Sam Norris has caught the attention of the Eagles faithful with his try-scoring wizardry in the opening rounds of the Blowes Clothing Cup, the man in the number five jersey has also brought a smile to the faces of hardened followers.
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At 40-years young, Gordon Refshauge's willingness to strap the boots on has proved a revelation.
His performances, thus far, have earned the admiration of not just those that barrack from the stands, but the younger players who hang on every word uttered from the highly respected gentle giant.
Refshauge's coaching assistant role in 2013 re-lit the fire for a return to the field of dreams and now, five games in, says he is starting to find his feet.
"Firstly, it is great to be part of a team and, as my fitness returns, I am enjoying the challenge of the game more and more," he said.
"The first couple of games were trying, but I am finding the deep down fitness levels are coming back. I get a fair bit of advice from my loud mates in the stands at the clubhouse, but I am usually breathing so hard I can't hear what they say.
"I'm not hard of hearing, just short of breath. It's probably better that way."
Although he had a small stint with Boorowa in 2003, Refshauge's last competitive season was 12 years ago with Eastern Suburbs.
In those days, the badge of honour stud marks etched down the back were still clearly visible.
A period of adjustment was always on the cards and Refshauge has had to learn quickly.
"There used to be a few places in a game where you could have a quiet moment to get your breath back," he said.
"One was tackling a player and lying on the ball to slow the opponents down. The other to fly into a ruck, knock someone out of the way and lie down over our ball protecting it.
"Both of these moments of rest are gone where we have to work hard to get back to your feet. I cost us a try in the first game against CSU because of these changes, so that is as good a motivation as any to adapt. I don't like losing hard-earned territory."
"A strong leader needs to stay calm when under pressure, make decisions confidently, lead with action and communicate. If things aren't going well the leaders in the team need to solve the problems"
At 195 centimetres Refshauge has a presence.
Combine this with his knowledge, experience and a no frills attitude, he is a genuine leader of men - a role he is relishing in the team environment.
"There are things our coaches [Bill and Rohan] want us to do, so I try to make sure I am doing those things well," he said.
"In unstructured areas of the game I can have an impact - reading the opposition play or saying a few words to keep the boys focused or to up the tempo when we need it. Off-field I try to push myself and look to the others to stay ahead of me.
"A strong leader needs to stay calm when under pressure, make decisions confidently, lead with action and communicate. If things aren't going well the leaders in the team need to solve the problems."
Refshauge pinpointed team stability as one of the keys to a good season.
"The competition is quite close between the teams. Losing the last two games have cost us as I think we lost to beatable teams, but it is still early and they were away games," he said.
"We had a very unsettled forward pack with unavailability - only two guys have played all five games (Chris Meyers and Chris Miller).
"I think we have an excellent backline and good depth to come up from the seconds. A settled forward pack will improve things. We have great potential and the team plays for each other, defends well and there are plenty of talented footballers. We are fit and have everything to look forward to."
A lack of discipline was partly to blame for the 19-18 loss to Bathurst Bulldogs last weekend and Refshauge is mindful that this may have been a reflection of other areas of the game that were lacking on the day.
"There is no greater motivation to play harder and faster than when the referee is disciplining the opposition for repeated infringements or back-chat," he said.
"It is a clear sign that systems are breaking down and opportunities will emerge. "Sometimes a mystifying call is made, but that's how it goes - a let-off for one side and a challenge for the other.
"Passions are full while playing the game and frustrations can rise quickly. The frustrations rose on Saturday when our systems broke down; correcting the systems should lower the frustrations and penalty count."
Cowra will look to bounce back at home on Saturday against a resurgent Orange Emus who have been the big improvers in 2014.
"Emus hammered Forbes on the weekend and that's a warning shot for Cowra. They pushed Roos two weeks ago, too," he said.
"The Cowra crowds are the best anywhere I've played and that makes it hard for the visitors. We should be able to put our strongest forward pack on the field this weekend, so it will be a cracking game, one not to miss."
