Narrabri coach Dylan Duncan believes the Blue Boars couldn't be in any better shape as they prepare to do battle with defending premiers Pirates after racking up a half-century for the second consecutive game.
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After thrashing Barraba 50-12, the Blue Boars dispatched of Inverell 53-5 at Dangar Park on Saturday to claim their fourth straight win and celebrate second rower Sam Kahl's 100th game for the club in style.
In the process they also jumped up to second spot.
"We're travelling well. Obviously Pirates will be a step up but I think our team is up for it," Duncan said.
"They'll be a tough assignment but if we play like we have been we'll take some beating."
On Saturday the Blue Boars blew the Highlanders away in the first half running in five unanswered tries to take a 34-nil lead into the break.
They crossed for another three in the second half with winger James Albert and fullback Michael Cain both finishing with doubles.
Duncan highlighted their support play as one of most pleasing aspects of their performance the last two weeks.
Instead of getting one or two players supporting the ball carrier, they've been getting five or six.
"They're playing really quick and not letting the play die," Duncan said.
Sometimes, he admits, it does leave him scratching his head, but it is one of things that makes them so dangerous.
Number eight Sam Knight picked up the three zone best and fairest points and has been one of their best.
"He's been a really good addition to our team," Duncan said.
"He loves the hard work and loves getting in and doing the hard runs and does a lot of tackling."
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Centre Jake Packer has also been great for them and is, Duncan said, playing as well as he has seen him. He's playing with a lot of maturity, is running the ball well and showing good vision to see the opportunities outwide.
Five-eighth Jydon Hill is also "really starting to get the hang of his craft".
Pirates will be the start of a tough month for the Blue Boars. They've got arch-rivals Moree after the long weekend and Walcha the game after that to kick-off the second round.
Duncan touched on their discipline as one area they need to work on, not just first grade but across the club. One of their biggest problems has been being offside in defence.
"That's mainly due to them being too keen in defence," he said.
"We need to take an extra step."
Walcha meanwhile bounced back from their first loss of the season in emphatic fashion, belting Ram counterparts Barraba 66-nil.
Fullback Dom Bower and outside centre Ed Cordingley both pursed doubles in the 10-try romp as the Rams reclaimed top spot from Moree.
