Narwan Eels sit on top of the Group 19 ladder but have a tough task this Saturday to keep their lead.
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The team face MacIntyre Warriors at home who are nipping at Narwan’s heels on the table.
The Eels played Armidale Rams in the 2350 rugby league reunion and romped home to an 80-16 victory.
The Rams hosted and started better than in their recent encounters but Narwan’s speed was too much for Armidale to handle.
The Eels know this weekend’s game will be a lot tighter and despite their lofty position on the ladder, Narwan player Fred Waters said they aren’t taking it for granted.
“We really need to prepare this week for the top-of-the-table clash with MacIntyre Warriors,” he said.
“It is setting the bar high for the rest of the season.
“This back end of the season is really going to see where we fall in for the major semis.
“We just need to be better.”
Their lack of discipline in defence is the one hurdle Narwan have to overcome.
Waters said they can’t afford to be giving MacIntyre a free ride up the field.
“Ill-discipline in patches really,” he said.
“We just need to control the game a little bit better.
“If we can control the game and start really good we won't have to come from behind.
“That comes down to our preparation.
“Our preparation needs to be spot on.
“They are a really strong, young side and we need to be 100 per cent from the kick off.”
Narwan have undergone various personnel changes in recent rounds due to player unavailability.
Waters said they will be close to full strength.
“We should be back to full strength in that regards,” he said.
“We haven't lost at home yet and that is one thing we want to be sticking by.
“We want to turn it into a bit of a graveyard where people don't want to be coming to Armidale to play Narwan at home.”