Coming off a less than convincing victory over Dubbo Westside last Sunday, Parkes Spacemen will be hoping for an improved performance when they host Narromine Jets on Jock Colley field this Sunday.
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Despite winning 44-34, Parkes started slowly and trailed 14-12 after the opening quarter.
A burst to end the first half saw the Spacemen build a big lead which they held to the final whistle.
When asked what was the positive to get out of his side’s performance, injured Spacemen captain-coach Dennis Moran was succinct.
“A win,” he said.
“Coming off the loss to Macquarie, it was important for us to get the points and give us something to build on.
“We are not quite clicking as a team and are playing as 17 individuals.
“We need to get that team play going or it could be a very long season for us.
“Hopefully, that will be better this Sunday.
“We started too slowly against Westside and that came down to our preparation not being there.
“Our attitude was missing right from the start.
“We have worked on it this week and I am sure we will see improvements against the Jets.
“If we take what we do at training during the week and put it into practice on a Sunday, we are a match for any team in the competition.
“The key is getting the boys to do that,” he said.
Another factor in the Spacemen’s slow start was the conspicuous absences of Alex Prout (rib) and Sam Dwyer (knee) from the line up.
Probably the biggest talkers on the field, missing their leadership and organisation was a big loss for the home side.
Prout is set to return this Sunday while Moran was hopeful Dwyer would fill the custodian role against Narromine.
The injured half is hoping to be back running in the next two weeks in the hope of returning to the field for the first match in Round 2.
A strong presence in country rugby league, Moran has been hit hard by the death of a young player in Gundagai and another suffering a broken neck.
“It was very sad to hear of these two tragedies,” Moran said.
“The thoughts of the entire club are with those involved and their families.
“Rugby league is a community and is all about helping each other.
“Unfortunately we play a tough game and sometimes these things can happen.
“Hopefully everyone will band together to help those affected,” he said.
