After what was a tough 2017 season, the Griffith Blacks entered a rebuilding phase and looked to set the foundation to build on in the years to come.

According to coach Craig Morriss, it has gotten off to the right start.

“This season the club has improved a lot and so has the squad,” he said.

“We have won a lot more games this season and have been pretty close to the top teams in most of our games as well.

“We just need to have more of an emphasis of turning up to training which can be a bit difficult at times.”

While the side is now out of the race for finals, Morriss still wants to see consistent effort from his team even with the ever-growing injury list.

“We have been a bit decimated by injury, but we have confidence in those who will be stepping up,” he said.

“They did a good job last week. It was probably the best they have played in the last couple of weeks.”

The injuries have brought a silver lining as it has given Morriss the opportunity to bring some of the younger players in a get some game time under their belts.

“We have some good young players who had a run this season and will be better for their experience this season,” he said.

“A few of the older guys have had their best season in a while as well so it will all be about working on the back of that.

“Everyone at the club knew it wasn’t going to be a quick fix. It will take some time.”

For Morriss, he has set the goal for this weekend to be nice and simple against the top of the table Waratahs at Conolly Rugby Complex.

“We want to compete for the full 80 minutes,” he said.

“Last time we played them we pushed them pretty hard and probably got the closest to beating them out of anyone this season.

“Full credit to the Waratahs they are the benchmark of the competition with all grade near the top of the table.”

The weekend’s action will also see the top two in the women’s sevens facing off earlier in the afternoon to decide who takes the minor premiership.