There were different moods in the opposing camps after Saturday’s night derby at No. 1 Oval, but the message from both coaches was the same – the best is yet to come.
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The Kangaroos defeated the Rhinos 20-0 in the all-Dubbo clash but both sides had a number of players missing and both were still trialing players in new positions.
Roos coach Dean Matthews in particular is adamant his side is nowhere near the finished product while Rhinos mentor Dave Stuart lamented the fact his side is dealing with an ever-growing injury list.
“There’s still plenty to work on but we’ll keep working week by week and we’ve got Mudgee next so we’ll take a few things out of this game and head into that one,” Matthews said.
Viliame Turuva played in the number 10 on Saturday but failed to have any real impact on the match while chances were limited for barnstorming Sione Lolohea in the centres.
Brad Pugh was at his best after being moved back to the forwards while it is no coincidence Jock Brownhill, who has played scrumhalf all season, was again a standout and appears to be getting better each game.
The Rhinos were without a host of players – led by scrumhalf Collins Hokianga – and Stuart confessed he can’t wait to have a full strength side at his disposal.
“When we get a few back in to this side I think we can turn it around next match,” Stuart said.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
