THE past two weeks have definitely been pleasing results against quality opposition and reinforced the belief within the playing group.
The slow start to the season definitely knocked our confidence around but sticking together and working hard with good leadership from our senior players got our season off to a belated start with the victories over the past two weeks.
Improvement in three key areas definitely helped; our kicking game, errors conceding possession and penalties on the back of those errors, with the mistakes we were making and penalties we were giving away taking too much energy out of us and gifting the opposition field position.
Our opponents the past two weeks certainly presented a host of challenges, with the Roosters back five number one in running metres in the NRL, while the Knights back five came into the game last Friday number one in tackle breaks, so we needed to do a good job in this area to be any chance — which we managed to do.
In another positive from the past fortnight, the enthusiasm and excitement of our two young boys in Valentine and Jack, has contributed to our good results.
This week it's the Rabbits and injuries and suspensions have impacted us but on the flip side it gives others within our squad the chance to shine against the premiers.
Souths rumble up the field on the back of the Burgess boys and their strong forward pack, with Isaac Luke a threat if he gets any quick play the ball or sees a defensive line not set, then usually Reynolds' short and long kicking game would apply enormous pressure to the opposition.
Without Reynolds, but with the possibility of John Sutton's return from a broken jaw, and with Souths keen to bounce back after a loss to North Queensland, we can't wait to test ourselves against the premiers.
Footnote: Shane Flanagan and the Leader support Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation; donations: www.schf.org.au
