After finishing as gallant runners-up in the Central North competition last year, the Walcha Rams have their sights firmly set on eclipsing their efforts in 2017.
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Their first challenge comes in the form of Narrabri in the opening round this Saturday in Walcha.
Coach Barry Hoy is expecting a hard-fought encounter against the Blue Boars to get the season going.
“They are always tough, a big forward pack, very solid,” he said.
“We have a pretty tough first three or four games and Narrabri is the first.”
The Rams have plenty of confidence among the squad, already having one trophy in their cabinet this year after taking out the Armidale Blues’ pre-season sevens tournament.
“We have had a good start with a win in the knockout,” Hoy said.
“Everyone is pretty keyed up and ready to go.”
While confidence is up among the Rams’ camp, Hoy is keeping his cards close to his chest.
“It is all shaping up pretty well and we are pretty confident with the way we are going,” he said.
“We don’t know until we start the comp, it all goes on injuries during the season.”
In an improvement from last season, the Rams also have added depth in their favour heading into 2018.
“We had good numbers at training [Tuesday] night so it looks like we should put two grades on the paddock all year round,” Hoy said.
“We struggled at times with reserve grade, we were alright at home but away we used to struggle.
“This year I think we will be pretty good.
“Numbers-wise things should be a little bit better which should help with a little bit of depth.”