Trundle captain-coach Adam Hall admits finding motivation is a weekly battle for a Boomers side that’s both defending premiers and in the midst of a 22-game winning streak.
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But this week he doesn’t have to look far.
The Boomers take on their nearest rivals in the race for the 2018 Woorbridge Cup in the form of Grenfell, with the Goannas this year recruiting former NRL players Joe Williams and Josh Bateman.
While a win on Saturday will also secure the club a third straight minor premiership.
“Every week we’re looking for a different motivation … this week it’s that, for sure,” Hall said as Trundle looks to wrap up the minor crown, undefeated, three weeks out from the semi-finals.
“It’s the main challenge for us, keeping motivated.
“We’ve got plenty of talent, but we’ve had a few injuries this year and after losing a few grand finals in a row and then winning one last year, it’s been tough this season.
“We’re getting through on talent alone at the moment.”
But Grenfell will be tough and Hall’s well aware of that.
The ex-Group Nine gun dubbed Bateman “as good as any bush fooballer running around” while Williams’ nous in the halves is something Trundle hasn’t faced this season.
Williams wasn’t on deck with Grenfell when Trundle recorded a 34-24 victory in round six.
“They’re a big side, too, Grenfell, and you throw Joe in the mix alongside the Ingram boys and they’re good across the park,” Hall said, adding his side’s continuity will be key against the new-look Goannas.
“I suppose knowing each other’s game, we’ve played together for a while and that’s our advantage. Joe and Josh Bateman wouldn’t have played a lot of footy together.”
In Sunday’s games, the Condobolin Rams host Canowindra Tigers, Burrangong Bears welcomes the Manildra Rhinos and Cargo will travel to Peak Hill to take on the Roosters. Eugowra has the bye.
In league tag, Trundle plays Grenfell on Saturday, while Sunday’s action pits Condobolin against Canowindra, Burrangong with Manildra and the Roosters against minor premiership favourites Cargo, and Eugowra has the bye.
In youth league, Trundle welcomes Canowindra and on Sunday Peak Hill will tackle Cargo. Manildra has the bye.