The Narrabri Blues await them, looking to bounce back from a poor performance that saw them score a last-minute try to just pull in front of the Diggers, who were very unlucky not to be attempting back to back victories when they play the Bears at Jack Woolaston Oval today. 

The Lions are without a den, as are the Diggers, until the Scully Park upgrade is complete, the opening now scheduled for a clash between the two clubs on the long weekend.

Following a tough season of re-building last year, West  couldn’t have asked for a better start to this season under captain-coach Phil Beaton.

After upsetting the premiers a few rounds ago, West are playing with confidence and Matt Nean is on fire in the halves.

The opening round saw the Lions put on a great back half to beat the Blues 56-32, although Blues captain coach Lachie Cameron knows that his side are capable of good footy.

He saw it in their comeback victory over neighbours Gunnedah, and wants to see it more often.

Last week the Blues struggled with ball control and will want safe hands against the ladder leaders, who will score points if you hand them ball.

“Last time we played West  a lot of their tries came from our errors,” Cameron said.

“We have to hold on to the ball.” 

Classy fullback Dillon Walford has been on song for the Blues and is always looking to come into the line and get his hands on the ball.

Halfback Justin Knight is hoping to return from injury and take his place alongside new recruit Jamie Sampson.

The pair could form a dangerous combination with a bit of game time together under their belt and players like Walford, Jed Smith and Ben Tupou running off them.

The skipper hopes that Sampson can be even more potent, as a ball runner and distributor, if Knight can stay fit and lighten the load in the halves.