Cowra coach Troy Hayes isn’t satisfied that the Eagles provided Orange Emus and Bathurst Bulldogs with the types of contests they needed ahead of their respective runs into the end of August.
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He wants another crack at the top sides, and warned them to expect another “hard” encounter should the men in red live up to expectations during the next five weeks, and secure the fifth and final spot.
In a race with Orange City and Parkes, Cowra’s run home looks favourable hosting Dubbo Rhinos, Forbes and Dubbo Roos, while traveling to CSU Bathurst and Mudgee.
“There’s three games we should definitely win, and two we have a really good shot at, especially at home,” Troy Hayes said.
“We want to win all five. You want to run into the finals on a winning note.
“Anything could happen though. We could miss out.”
The Eagles lacked desire to win at Ashwood Park last week, according to Hayes, which was a shock for the coach.
Some ill-discipline proved costly, while the Bulldogs defence repelled Cowra time and time again.
“Everyone was pumped to get to Bathurst after Emus, we thought we were world beaters despite not winning that match,” Hayes said.
“But we didn’t click, made some silly errors and their defence was good,” he said.
Cowra provided Emus and Bathurst with hit outs their coaches had been kicking on their heels for, while the benefit for Hayes is he knows what’s required to match it with the competition’s front runners.
“We know where we need to be now if we’re going to be there at the end of the year,” he said.
“Our focus is winning each week from now on, not giving those sides hard games. But that’s what they can expect if we meet them in the finals.”
This week’s game against Dubbo Rhinos at the Cowra Rugby Grounds marks the first of three games out the final five, Hayes says the Eagles should definitely win.
Rhinos edged Cowra 10-5 during the opening half of the season.
“We have a totally different side from that last game which is what we had hoped,” Hayes said.
“They’re probably struggling a bit for numbers but they’ll be tough.”
Troy Jeffs remains sidelined, Bill Cummins will play at flyhalf and John Grant will shuffle to fullback.
Front-rower Mick Delaney is under an injury cloud.
The game’s set for a 3.15pm start this Saturday.
