The Riverina Rhinos are looking to get back on track after a heavy defeat at the hands of Tigers FC when Belconnen United come to town on Saturday afternoon.
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After what has been a tough string of games including three away trips in a row coach Gabriel Abdala decided to give his side a lighter week at training.
“We gave the boys Tuesday off to recover from a tough run of games,” he said.
“After having three away games in a row and travelling three hours there and three hours back it eventually takes its toll.
“We gave them time to relax, recover and refocus ahead of this week’s match.”
Belconnen United are also coming into this game off the back of a tough 5-0 defeat at the hands of Canberra FC and will be without forward Daniel Barac who was shown a straight red.
With that in mind, Abdala expects them to come out with a point to prove.
“The same thing happened to Tigers, they had a big loss the week before they came here,” he said.
“They will want to bounce back, but we also have a point to prove.
“We aren’t just here to make up the numbers we are here to compete.
“With both teams in the same mentality, it should be a good game.”
The Rhinos will be boosted by the return of a few key players from suspensions for a game against one of the bigger clubs in Canberra.
“This is why we took part in this competition,” he said.
“We don’t want to go into any games thinking we can get an easy win. This team and squad, in particular, has what it takes to perform.
“This is where you come to see where you stand.”
The action gets underway at the newly named Solar Mad Stadium with the under 16s kicking off at around 11am followed by the under 18s at 1pm.
The 20s will play the curtain raiser at 3pm before the first grade kick off the main game at around 5pm.