RUGBY returns to Mount Isa this weekend after a seven-week hiatus.
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Heading into the break on top of the table, Warrigals will be out to continue its hot form tomorrow against second-placed Cloncurry.
“The boys have been back at training for a couple of weeks, so it will be good to actually get back into some competition,” Warrigals coach Rob Peters said.
“Having such a long break, in my opinion, takes everyone back to square one.
“All momentum that we had built at the end of last season is now gone and it’s up to us to get that rhythm back and start to gel again.”
The Dingoes welcome captain Tom Robertson back to full fitness this round, after missing all but two games due to an ankle injury.
“It’s great to have Tom Robertson back in the squad, as he is such a good leader on and off the pitch,” Peters said.
“Especially this week, as we will be a little short in the forwards due to the shift work of some of our players.
“But we have also picked up a couple of new guys for the squad who weren’t able to play the first half of the season for one reason or another.”
Peters knows his side is in for a big challenge against the second-placed Question Marks, who will be out to reclaim top spot.
“Cloncurry will be out to prove that they are still a major force in this competition, despite limping into the Christmas break with plenty of players missing,” he said.
“Sitting on top of the table, we have gone from being the hunter to the hunted and we know we have to expect everyone’s best performance against us now.
“But if we keep our structure, be tidy around the ruck and maintain our strong defence, I think we will be fine.”
Cloncurry skipper Hamish Chrisp echoes the thoughts of his rival, saying it could take a while for his team to hit its straps again.
“There have been really strong numbers at training recently but it could take a week or two for the boys to shake off the rust and get going,” he said.
“A couple of the boys look like they have eaten a little too much Christmas pudding.
“One thing is for sure, the boys have forgotten what happened at the end of last year and cleaned the slate.
“No one remembers what you do before the break, so we know we can only concentrate on each game as it comes and try and build towards the finals.”
In the night’s other match, both Euros and Keas will be looking to kick-start the second half of the season with a win.
“Our numbers at training haven’t been as strong as we had expected but we should still be able to field a strong team on Saturday,” a Euros spokesman said.
“Despite their lowly position on the table, Keas can’t be discounted, especially after beating Cloncurry in Cloncurry in their last match.”
■Mount Isa Rugby Union Ladder: Warrigals 27 points (133); Cloncurry 26 points (23); Euros 25 points (11); Keas 6 points (-167).
■Mount Isa Rugby Union Draw (Tomorrow): 6pm – Keas vs Euros, 7.30pm – Cloncurry vs Warrigals.