After a disappointing last-start loss to the Boomerangs, Armidale Rams coach Steve Ware is hoping his side can put together two consistent halves when they face the Glen Innes Magpies this Sunday.
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The Rams opened their game against Moree with plenty of vigour but were outclassed over the 80 minutes to lose 60-8.
Their opponents for their upcoming clash are yet to play their way to a victory and Ware is hopeful his team can keep them out of the winner’s circle.
“Glen Innes are going to be searching for a win and we have to try and stop them from thinking they are going to win, especially being at their own home ground,” he said.
“We are looking at another tough contest this week and we have to work on a few things around the ruck – if we are winning the ruck, we are winning the game. Running with a bit of purpose as well.”
The Rams are re-building on the field with a young squad lining up for the club’s top tier team each week.
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Ware has aimed to instill a tougher mentality in his young side throughout the opening weeks of the Group 19 competition.
“You have to go into any game like you are going to win it,” he said.
“I told the boys not to back down from any teams and they have responded.
“They just have to respond for the whole 80 minutes instead of 40 here and 50 here.
“It is about getting quality out of your players as well.
“Other teams have had the luxury of quality because they know their jobs but we are still re-building and they are getting used to the concept of knowing their jobs, knowing their roles. I still have to develop players as well.”
Another dilemma Ware faces in preparation for this Sunday’s encounter is finding a bench with several players unavailable.
Glen Innes are coming off a 40-14 loss to Moree Boars and are aiming for redemption when they host the Rams.
The last time the two sides faced-off on Glen Innes turf, the Magpies thrashed their Armidale opponents 96-nil but the home side’s co-coach Say is expecting a tougher challenge from the Rams in round four.
“I don't know what to expect from Armidale because we haven't played them yet but I don't think they will be an easy walkover like they were last year,” he said.
“They will probably be pretty competitive so we will just have to work hard. I know the scoreline doesn't really say it but we can take positives out of Sunday [against the Boars] and work on a few things and everything should come together hopefully.”