While it is unlikely the result of this Sunday’s Group 11 rugby league match between the Spacemen and Macquarie will have any effect on semi-final positions, there is still plenty for the Parkes side to play for.
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The Spacemen and Nyngan Tigers are both on 22 points with sixth placed Cobar way back on 12.
Struggling for consistency throughout the season, the Spacemen will look to use the game as a tune up for next week’s semi-final against Nyngan.
Captain-coach Pat Rosser wants to use Sunday’s game to build some momentum heading into the finals.
“We have got this week to fine tune our game and get on a roll before the semis next week,” Rosser said.
“We need to put a good performance together and build some momentum.
“As of next week we get no second chances and have to win four games straight to defend last year’s premiership.
“While the result won’t effect who we play in our first semi-final, the last thing you want is to go out and get toweled by 40 points the week before.
“You can’t get smashed one week, drop the ball a lot and hand over a lot of possession then expect to come out the week after and play your best footy.
“Macquarie are a good side and we will need to play well to get the win.
“It will be a great hit-out for us leading into a very important four weeks,” he said.
The Spacemen head into Sunday’s clash in Dubbo short a number of important players who they are hoping to have back the following week.
Dennis Moran (hamstring), Matt Clarke (shoulder), Cameron Standen (shoulder) and Todd Barrow (hamstring) are all hopeful of returning for the do or die match against Nyngan next week.
Promising centre Hayden Robinson appears unlikely to return this season after his knee injury is failing to respond to treatment.
The impact of Robinson’s loss has been lessened by the excellent form of Jake Dooley and Evi Nioko who have formed a formidable partnership in the centres.
Jake Porter showed he is not out of his depth last week when he took Moran’s spot at half back.
His kicking game was strong and kept his head to lead the team around the paddock.
Ben Nash filled the void left by Matt Clarke in the second row.
After missing the previous three games, Nash put in a solid performance with a high work rate in the Spacemen’s big win over Narromine last Sunday.
Despite big wins in the past three matches against Westside (92-0), Forbes (40-12) and the Jets (74-6), Rosser is under no illusions that the semi-finals will be as easy.
“No disrespect to the teams we have played recently but none of them are in the semis,” he said.
“Yes, we have scored three big wins but I expect the competition to be a lot stronger in the finals.
“What has really been pleasing about the previous matches has been our attitude when we have had to defend for extended periods.
“It may not look like it with the scores as big as they are, but we had to defend at times and we did it well.
“Everyone did their job and worked hard for their mates.
“It was really pleasing.
“The boys are all positive and most of them have been involved in finals footy before.
“We all know what finals football is all about.
“Individuals have to really step up, know their role and do their job.
“If all players, one to 17, don’t do that then it all breaks down.
“Big games are won on maintaining good possession, field position and being clinical.
“We have been a bit inconsistent this season but are slowly starting to put it all together.
“It has been a successful year for the club so far with all three grades in final contention - let’s continue that deep into the finals,” he said.
The Spacemen meet Dubbo Macquarie at 2.30pm this Sunday at Apex Oval, Dubbo.
The likely side for Sunday’s match is as follows:
1. Sam Dwyer, 2. Brandon Paige, 3. Jake Dooley, 4. Evi Nioko, 5. Aparosa Ada, 6. Alex Prout, 7. Jake Porter, 8. Dave Masoe, 9. Tino Ionatana, 10. Pat Rosser (c), 11. Jordan Pope, 12. Ben Nash, 13. Epi Sadrodro, 14. Adam Richards, 15. Joe Spicer, 16. Steve Dunn.