HOME ground advantage and a swelling of the ranks bodes well for Cloncurry to claim its second win of the season when the Mount Isa Irish Club Rugby Union Premiership heads to Cloncurry on the weekend.
Slow starters to the season this campaign, Cloncurry will need to arrest that trend when they face an improving Keas side in what shapes as an exciting contest.
Keas have boosted their player numbers and have won two of their past three games including a convincing 36-15 victory in the previous meeting between the clubs.
However, Cloncurry captain Cameron Moore said he was confident his side was going to be a force in the run up to the finals.
"We have managed to pick up quite a few new players and, as we saw last week, had plenty of numbers on the bench," Moore said.
"The new players have added depth and they are looking forward to getting to play in front of a home crowd."
Moore said the club had managed to strengthen several areas but most critically the halfback position.
"The halfback is probably the most important player on the field because he is the one who directs the forwards around the park," Moore said.
"We were lucky enough to recruit Liam Giudes who came from Townsville and he showed in his first game he wasn't scared to let the pack know what he wanted."
Moore added with Giudes ability to bark orders and the emergence of young gun Johnny Ellis at the crucial number nine position, the team was headed in the right direction.
Cloncurry will also welcome back the hard-running Angus Chrisp. The honeymoon is over for the recently married player who adds versatility to the backline.
Several of Cloncurry's rugby league fraternity have also added depth and strength to the squad.
Spearheaded by Kieran Weller, Corey Mosely and Jeffery Wilson, the 13-a-side players proved their worth with strong performances in the 15-man code last week against Euros.
Moore said it would be important for Cloncurry to come out firing from the opening whistle against Keas.
"We have been taking too long to get into games," he said.
"It took us a full half of football before the forwards really muscled up against Euros. We let them counter-ruck and push us off the ball early in the game and that is something that needs to be addressed."
The Cloncurry captain said he was anticipating a tough battle against Keas.
"They have also picked up a few handy players over the break and we will have to match them across the park," Moore said.
Moore highlighted the well-drilled forward play and direct running of the backline as the strength of the opposition.
"We will need to work hard at the breakdown and in defence, getting up in their faces and limiting their options," he said.
n Kick-off Saturday at 7.30pm at the Cloncurry Showground.
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