The Moree Boomerangs kicked off their season perfectly, winning both of their games against the Narwan Eels on Saturday.
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The A-grade side got their title defence off to a strong start with a 40-18 win against a valiant opponent.
It was a back and forth affair to begin the match, both sides trading blows before the Boomerangs began to find their rhythm.
"By the time we got to the 20th minute mark the cohesion kicked in," A-grade coach Chris Binge said.
"Our combinations started to work and we started to really show our dominance. We had a lot of confidence going into the sheds.
"We came out in the second half and executed what we wanted to."
Binge was particularly pleased with the win, knowing his team has plenty of improvement left in them.
He said they have a very different side than the one who won the grand final last year.
"We've got a good group of kids that have worked really hard in the offseason," he said.
"They were on the cusp of playing first grade last year, this year they've really stepped it up.
"Eight of those kids in the rep fixture [Group 19 under 23s side] played a part in the first game of the season in first grade."
One of those representative players, Tyrell Smith, had a fantastic game according to Binge, leading their young forward pack.
"He was unbelievable at 13. He did the simple things right, kept the team centred in what we needed to do, showed some good leadership."
Centres Tristan Duncan-Ward and DeWayne Nicholls also produced strong performances, as well as Byron Smith.
"He got our points for the game. He was sensational off the bench," Binge said.
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Binge was overall pleased with their attack after making a few changes to their style this season, but he said they will continue to work hard on their defence over the next few weeks.
"Our defence is going to be key to what we do this season," he said.
"We've set ourselves some goals this season as a club.
"Our goals are pretty high in first grade, if we achieve them it's going to be a special season."
In league tag, the Boomerangs also got their season off to a good start with a 20-10 win.
The score was stuck at 14-10 late into the second half, with a late Boomerangs try with around five minutes left sealing the win.
"The lead changed about two or three times, it was back and forth. At that stage it probably could've gone either way," league tag coach Jason Munro said.
"We got a few sets on Narwan's line, it just worked out.
"We worked on completing our sets and the girls did that. Other parts of the game, they were a bit scrappy, but you can expect that first game.
"At the end of the day, we're just happy to get the two points."
Munro mentioned Katarnie Toomey and Katie Davidson as two of the standout players, as well as Jordan McKenzie who did a good job of leading the team around the park.
He said the side will continue to work on its structure and defence, as well as their overall fitness.
"I'm pleased with the girls' effort for their first hitout, right across the park."
Narwan Eels' reserve grade side was forced to forfeit its match.
There will be a league-wide bye this weekend due to Easter, before the Boomerangs take on the Boars in a massive local derby.
