Cowra’s Group 10 season hangs on the next three weeks and coach Rory Brien has placed a huge emphasis on their away trip to Mudgee this Sunday.
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With back-to-back home games followed by six rounds on the road scheduled, Brien’s aware of the fact the Magpies need to consolidate their spot in the top five during the coming weeks.
At the this stage, the Magpies are fifth on equal points as fourth placed Mudgee and sixth placed Orange Hawks.
But facing the toughest end of the regular season out of any Group 10 side has Brien wary.
“We’re sort of in control of our own destiny really,” Rory Brien said.
“We had to start off the season well and we’ve done okay. If we can get three wins up early to start the second-half that’ll be a massive benefit for us.”
It’s been three weeks since the Magpies played a game of footy having been dealt consecutive byes but it hasn’t been bad timing, according to Brien, who revealed that Cowra will be full strength for the battle against Dragons.
Warren Williams returns to five-eight after injuring his calf against Bathurst St Pat’s in round six, he’ll partner Cameron Breust in the halves with Cameron Picker returning to fullback.
“Everyone’s come out of it keen and ready to play some footy,” he said. “One to 13 there’s no excuses.”
While preparing the Magpies for a one of their biggest performances of the Group 10 season this week, Brien’s identified the Browne brothers, Mitch and Zac, and Toby Nobes as three players he’s been hugely impressed with so far in 2017 and is urging to continue leading from the front.
“There’s a big emphasis on this game. It’s a game the boys will really be up for,” he said.
“What I’m trying to do is get our players playing the best they can.
“I’ve been really impressed with the Browne brothers. They’ve improved out of sight and that’s exactly what I want to see.
“Toby Nobes has grown a leg in the second-row. I like the style of footy he plays. He takes the ugly runs out of our end and when we’re in good positions he combines with Breust. We need to start off the back end of the year well.”
Cowra meets Mudgee from 2.30pm, Sunday at Glen Willow Sports Complex.