Dubbo CYMS coach Tim Ryan expects a different Westside in Sunday's derby
CONSISTENT: Ben Marlin has been doing a job week in, week out for CYMS and will again line up in the front row for the Fishies in Sunday's local derby match against Dubbo Westside. Photo: PAIGE WILLIAMS
Dubbo CYMS coach Tim Ryan is certain his side can still play a whole lot better but one thing he has been pleased by this season is the attitude and camaraderie within his squad.
The Fishies are flying on top of the Group 11 ladder, unbeaten after nine rounds having scored 360 points while conceding just 98 in the process.
Last weekend, in what many saw as a huge test for Ryan and his men, CYMS cruised past the Forbes Magpies and won the grand final rematch 46-18.
Despite that, Ryan wasn’t pleased with a lot of his side’s play but has enjoyed watching the way his team works together.
“The attitude at training has been good and everyone is enjoying their footy and enjoying the company so that’s pleasing,” he said.
“It plays a massive role. You’ve got to play for each other and you’ve got to have a reason to pay.
“Everyone is enjoying themselves when playing and training together and the camaraderie has been pretty good.”
On Sunday CYMS plays host to Westside in another Dubbo derby, the sides meeting again after the Fishies won the corresponding fixture in round one 102-0 in a match which was called off early.
But the Rabbitohs roster is barely recognisable from the one which played that day and Ryan went as far to say the men in red and green have been unlucky this season after being beaten by Narromine on the bell two rounds back.
“That (102-0 win) was eight or nine weeks ago and they’ve got a lot of new players so we expect a very, very different side,” he said.
“A week is a long time in rugby league, let alone eight, and we respect everyone.”
In terms of his own team, Ryan will again be without the injured Jyie Chapman while Alex Ronayne is also in doubt.
Ryan, as always, has confidence in whoever comes in but does want to see his side clean up its error count.
After starting well against Forbes last week, the Fishies struggled to complete a set for the remainder of the first half.
“We crucify ourselves and we need to keep that out of our game,” he said.