Darlington Point Coleambally's title defence is off to a tough start as they have an ever-growing injury list heading into their clash with Leeton on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Roosters are currently without Robbie Simpson, Billy Robb, Kyle Charles and Jack Kelly, meaning they are largely without their first-choice forward pack.
That isn't the end of the list with Drew Hopwood, Blake Carroll, Luke Brannigan and Danny Brain.
"It is a bit frustrating because you need those senior guys out there that are seasoned first graders, so it would make it easier if we had all of them back," DPC coach Ben Jeffery said.
"It is what it is, and hopefully, we can get them back at the right time of the season.
"I think the year off has hurt every club, to be honest, and hopefully the footy improves just with numbers-wise and that sort of stuff."
The Roosters are currently sitting midtable with two wins and two losses to start the season and will face a tough test up against an undefeated Leeton side this weekend.
Jeffery knows his side won't be able to start as slowly as they did last week against West Wyalong.
"We had West Wyalong on the weekend, and we let them get to a 30-point lead and left ourselves with too much to do," he said.
"The second half was great, but the first half was rubbish. If we fall asleep against Leeton like that, they will definitely touch us up."
Despite the injury toll, Greens coach Hayden Philp knows his side won't be able to take the Roosters lightly.
"I know we have won all of our games, but there is a reason why they are the reigning premiers," he said.
"Not sure how they are going with players, but I have no doubt they will be raring to go to beat us."
RELATED
Having picked up four wins to start the season, Philp knows it will be important his side continue to improve throughout the season.
"We were aiming to have three from four, but to win four from four, we have set a good standard at the start of the season, so know it's about continuing on," he said.
"We still aren't completing to a high standard, and if we play better sides like Point, you give them that high error rate they are going to take full advantage of it.
" We have been pretty fortunate that our defence has held our most sides."
Meanwhile, in the other games, Yenda will play host to TLU Sharks at Wade Park.
It has been a tough start to the season for the Yenda side, and they will be looking to take their first win of the season against fellow strugglers.
In the final game, West Wyalong will look to pick up a second straight win when they play host to Yanco-Wamoon.
***
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.areanews.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News