Griffith Black and Whites co-coach Craig Morriss hopes the Panthers can carry the high of last week’s last-gasp draw into Sunday’s clash against Yenda at Wade Park.
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Black and Whites showed how much they had evolved from last year’s wooden spoon-winning outfit by scoring a try in the 78th minute to earn a point against Yanco-Wamoon the previous round.
Morriss said the result reflected the self-belief his players were carrying.
“When you’re down you’ve got to come back. That’s what makes a good side,” he said.
“The boys were down and they came back and got themselves back in the game.
“That’s all you can sort of ask for. They showed courage and determination.
“That’s the spirit and self-belief we’ve had all year in each other and in the club.”
Opponents Yenda have been nearly as impressive, but minus coach Tom Sellars and other key players, the Blueheelers suffered a 52-14 loss to Darlington Point-Coleambally last week.
Morriss, however, expects the home side to be in better shape for Sunday’s clash.
“Against the Point, they had several of their better players out,” Morriss said of Yenda.
“I think they’re all expected to play this week, so they’ll be nearly at full strength.
“When they’re at full strength, they’re a very dangerous side, as they’ve shown plenty of times this year.”
But Morriss knows Black and Whites have what it takes to beat them.
He said the decision of first graders to drop back and help the Panthers’ ressies team last week demonstrated the club-first mentality Black and Whites had been cultivating.
“The ressies team were short a few players and a few of the first graders put their hands up to help out and play 20 or 30 minutes,” he said. “When asked, they just said, ‘One club, one team’.
“That just speaks volumes of all the players there.”
Morriss believes if Black and Whites can sustain that feeling within the playing group for the rest of the season, their ladder position will look after itself.
“We’re sort of focusing on staying tight, keeping the club going, keeping everyone happy and just keeping the atmosphere that’s there,” he said.
“It’s a good feeling to be around, enjoying each other’s company and enjoying each other on the field and off the field.”
