While there was a lot of talk about Orange City Lions' injury toll in the Cowra Eagles' narrow 31-27 win at Pride Park, Cowra Eagles co-coach Col Jeffs was keen to emphasise the obstacles that his side had to overcome to get the win last weekend.
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"We had six guys out ourselves," Jeffs said.
"To get a bonus point over there against them... It wasn't a polished performance by any means on our behalf... It was a gutsy win in the end."
The win is especially crucial for the side after three straight losses, including a sizeable loss to Dubbo at home, described by the experienced coach as a "reality check", but Jeffs was hopeful that the injury tide will turn over the coming weeks ahead of finals.
"We're hoping within the next two to three weeks we should get them back... Having guys coming back is going to be a good bonus for us."
However, Jeffs was careful to praise those currently in the squad, including NSW Country Squad member Joe Dakuitoga.
"[He] is holding his end in the scrum really well," Jeffs said, adding that Gonzalo Carrizo's presence at full back has also been crucial for the team.
"He just gave us a bit more direction around the park... he's quite skillful."
Turning his attention to this week's clash against the fifth-placed Forbes Platypi at home, Jeffs noted it was important not to fixate on the side's star playmaker Mahe Fangupo, noting that the Platypi's on-field performance belies their modest win-loss record for the season.
"They've got depth right across the park," he observed.
"We just need to make sure we maintain possession and just manage their strike weapons... Fangupo, Jack Hammond...
"They've had a good season... They believe they can finish in fourth if things go their way."
Returning the focus to his own side, Jeffs said it was important that despite the injury trouble, the club continued to back in its first grade players, even those who have come up from second grade.
"We've still got a good side even with the players we've got out," he said
"They [the players who have been called up] have got to get their confidence up... If they take a bit of ownership and do their jobs, we can still be more than competitive.
"A bit more belief from those guys will be better for the club in the long run."
With the club continuing to grow off the field, and the introduction of a third grade side mid-year, Jeffs was also keen to think bigger picture about the club's ongoing growth.
"We just have to manage ourselves... and try to keep improving," he said.
"We're building from last year and building this year... The club's really coming forward."
The Cowra Eagles men's team will host the Forbes Platypi at Cowra Rugby Grounds this Saturday, with kick-off from 3.15pm.
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