If there is indeed blood in the water, after North Tamworth suffered another loss, in-form Narrabri are perfectly placed to pounce, Blues second-rower Travis "Jock" Small has said.
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The third-placed Bears will be coming off a last-start 32-24 away loss to Werris Creek - their second defeat of the season - when they meet second-placed Narrabri at Jack Woolaston Oval on Sunday.
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Norths are unbeaten at home over 47 consecutive matches, but Small said the Blues would go into the clash feeling "pretty confident" of "knocking them over".
He added: "It would be a good achievement if we could ... It would make us four points clear of them on the ladder."
In saying that, Small believes that Norths are "still a threat to the competition" despite the loss of several leading players after their 2019 premiership triumph - a record sixth straight title.
He said the new-look Bears "can't be dismissed".
"They've lost a few players. But I feel that the people they're bringing in are probably just as good [as those who departed]."
It would be a good achievement if we could [win] ... It would make us four points clear of them on the ladder.
- Jock Small
He also said: "They'll be pretty strong this weekend, as they always are playing at home."
Narrabri are level on points with competition leaders Kootingal-Moonbi.
It was in 2017 that Narrabri last made the grand final. Small believes the current side can "definitely challenge for the premiership".
He praised first-year Blues captain-coach Jake Rumsby: "He's an 80-minute player. He goes forward, he doesn't back down.
"And he's pretty confident in everyone he has around him, which is good."
Small added: "I believe that he's a great coach. He's getting the team and the club to gel."
Narrabri are coming off a last-start 16-12 home win over Dungowan.
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Mark Bode
I’m passionate about writing stories that resonate with people. And I’m genuinely interested in the people I interview; I want to know about them and present their stories in a meaningful way.
I’m passionate about writing stories that resonate with people. And I’m genuinely interested in the people I interview; I want to know about them and present their stories in a meaningful way.
