Tigers coach Dan Barclay is determined not to let the 20 day lead-in to this Saturday's derby against the Cargo Blue Heelers affect what promises to be a fierce contest.
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"We've had a focus on the double bye not being a momentum stopper," Barclay explained.
While an initial glance at the Tiger's win-loss record shows a middling 1-2, it has come after losses against both of last year's grand finalists - Manildra Rhinos and Trundle Boomers - as well as a long trip over to Peak Hill where the Tigers won easily.
Barclay added that the team has honed in areas it needs to work on after losses against the Woodbridge Cup's current benchmarks, particularly the Rhinos.
"[That is] our discipline... and what we can control as a team... we started really good against Manildra (that first 30 minutes where we were leading 10-0).
"[They] just started capitalising... as soon as we stopped completing the sets and the giving the ball back in bad spots."
While this week's match offers a chance to balance the win-loss ledger for the Tigers against a strong opponent - Cargo are currently third, one game ahead of the Tigers - Barclay isn't getting carried away, speaking mostly in general terms about the clubs' long shared history and rivalry.
"Cargo's always a challenging and gritty opponent," the coach, who is also leading the Woodbridge Cup's Under 23s representative side, said.
"Sharing trades and the roads to Orange, a lot of people know each other, and have family ties to both clubs."
Making mention of former Tigers and current Blue Heelers Anthony Redfern and Dan Middleton, the latter of whom was a relatively recent departure, Barclay did however hint at the intensity this week's game promises.
"It [the players moving] adds a bit of spice to the game... There's a lot of passion between the two towns for bragging rights in the pubs," he said, adding that he'll continue to coach and play to provide on-field mentorship to his players.
While Saturday's game means the Tigers will lose Regan Hughes to union duties with CSU, Barclay said he was excited by the youngsters and local players coming through the ranks.
"Frazer Ryder coming into first grade and standing up and Lindsday Thurgate [has] had a sensational start to the year in the second row... seeing those local boys and young fellas come through is positive," Barclay said of the early season stand-outs, adding player development will continue to be a key focus while he's at the Tigers.
"To have them established as first graders is my end goal."
Saturday's game kicks-off from 3pm at Tom Clyburn Oval and will be preceded by a Tigers-Blue Heelers women's League Tag match, with a post-game function set for the Royal Hotel afterwards.
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