The only box the Dubbo Kangaroos haven’t ticked this season is beating one of the Blowes Clothing Cup’s top three sides.
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The opportunity to do that rolls around again on Saturday when the second-placed Forbes Platypi comes to town in what shapes as one of the Kangaroos’ biggest weekend’s of the season.
As well as the interest in the match, this weekend is also the club’s annual Ladies Day while it is also the yearly Clare’s Angels fundraiser.
Clare’s Angels is a charity created in 2014 to help local families following the tragic death of five-year-old Clare Diffey, who suffered from the rare neurological disorder Rett Syndrome.
Clare was the niece of Roos’ first grade coach Dean Matthews, with her mother Jane, the founder of the organisation, his sister-in-law.
“It’s a special weekend for the club,” he said.
“This is the third year we’ve supported it and we’ve been lucky enough this year to get some snazzy looking jerseys to wear and auction off.
“It’s in memory of that little girl, who was my niece, and also my brother-in-law Mick’s, who coaches our colts side, so it means a lot to our family.”
The club is hopeful of a bumper turnout at No. 1 Oval to witness what shapes as a cracking contest between the Roos and Platypi.
This weekend marks the start of the second round of the competition, with the Forbes side having scored a 26-22 win over the Roos back on the opening weekend of season 2017.
The Platypi has only been beaten once, at the hands of runaway leaders Orange Emus.
“It’s a massive test for us,” Matthews said.
“It’s probably our biggest game so far because if we lose it puts a lot of pressure on us to stay in touch with that top three.
“They’re a good side and are the only team to beat Bathurst (Bulldogs) in Bathurst so that tells you how good we’re going.
“No doubt they’ll be tough.”
While aware of the challenge his side faces, Matthews knows his team is a much better one than that which travelled to Forbes in round one.
Scrumhalf Jock Brownhill didn’t play that match and has become a key figure since then while barnstorming centre Sione Lolhea has also linked up with club.
Rugby league converts Billy Sing and Viliame Turuva are also much more comfortable in the 15-man game now and have become stars in their own right while many other new faces have settled.
“We’re a completely different side but so are they,” Matthews said.
Shutting down former NSW Country half Mahe Fangupo, someone Matthews calls “a special talent” will be key but the Roos coach said there is danger from 1-15 in the Forbes side.
Kick off is 3-15pm.
DUBBO KANGAROOS: 1 Johnny Mafiti, 2 Ned Williams, 3 Will Chaffey, 4 Sam Clements, 5 Monty Hicks, 6 Reuben Williams, 7 Eli Kinscher, 8 Shaun McHugh ©, 9 Jock Brownhill, 10 Brad Pugh, 11 Viliame Turuva, 12 Sione Lolohea, 13 Billy Sing, 14 Hamish Gordon, 15 Luke Ryan