The Armidale Rams have already outdone their 2017 winning record with a triumph against Tingha Tigers on Saturday.
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The Rams went winless last year and, with a new coach on board and the culture on the up-and-up, had vowed to improve in the new season.
Just one match into their 2018 Group 19 season – after a round one bye – they have done that.
Even more impressively, the Rams played 55 minutes of the Tingha clash a player short after an early send-off.
“It was scrappy but we had to get through it with 12 men so it was good,” coach Steve Ware said.
“Especially for the boys that have been there for the last few years, it was emotional for them, even the young blokes.
“It is good for the club, good for the players, families and that but we just have to prepare for next week now.”
Ware put the win down to the side’s preparation and relentless attitude.
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“I think because the boys have been committed for the last four months of training, they turned up for each other and it was because of their hard work,” he said.
“It is fairly different training as well, stuff they have never been taught before so it was a real credit to the boys.
“Especially the boys in the middle, Jake Scurr, Laurie Craig, Leon Clifford, Jake [McFadyen], they had to do it tough with one bloke down.
“We did well considering, especially being away from home made the victory special as well.”
This Sunday will see the Rams take on the Moree Boomerangs at Rugby League Park.
Ware said there is more belief in the club after Sunday’s win and, while the Rams are aware of their round three opponents’ prowess on the field, they are focusing on themselves and their own game plan.
“It is good to get a tough win like that but we need to back it up now with a win this week at home,” he said.
“If we are competitive for the whole 80 minutes like we were against Tingha – and I know it is going to be a tough ask this week as well, as these guys have been in the top three for a number of years – for us to compete with them, especially being the wooden spoon for the last few years, it will be satisfying for the boys as well, win or lose.”