Dapto welcomes undefeated competition leaders Thirroul to Dapto Showground on Saturday in Round 4 of the Harrigan Cup. The Canaries are coming off a last start win over Sutherland Loftus while the Butchers sent a strong message to the rest of the competition with an impressive victory over previously unbeaten Collegians.
After three rounds, the Canaries have emerged as one of the early improvers of the competition under rookie captain-coach Tom Freebairn (pictured), winning two of their opening three matches including last weekend’s gritty victory over the Pirates.
Despite their early season success, Freebairn believes there is still plenty of improvement left in his side.
“We’ve been really pleased with the start,” Freebairn said.
“To come away from the first three rounds with two wins and a close loss to the defending premiers Wests is very encouraging.
“I’ve been very proud of the boys, but there’s also a lot to learn from those games.”
Dapto Footy
Dapto’s ability to complete sets and build pressure has become a major focus early in the season, with Freebairn determined to establish their own brand of footy.
“A big focus for us has been completing early and getting into what we call Dapto footy,” he said.
“If we can complete well and stick to our systems, we know we can make it difficult for opposition teams.”
The Canaries showed plenty of resilience in last week’s win over the Pirates after racing out to an early lead before being forced to withstand a late fightback.
“We probably just need to keep learning how to play that full 80 minutes,” Freebairn admitted.
“The Pirates threw plenty at us late and it started paying off for them, so that’s something we’ll continue working on.”
Early Season Form
Freebairn called out several standout performers, including strike weapon Justin Jones, experienced campaigner Troy Pieper and playmakers Braxton Wallace and Robert Siteine, who has impressed since returning to rugby league after a lengthy stint in rugby union.
“Justin’s looked dangerous every time he touches the ball,” Freebairn said.
“Troy’s been doing what Troy does, and Robbie’s just a footballer. It’s his first year back in rugby league in about eight years and he’s found himself in a first-grade role straight away.”
Freebairn also praised the workload and consistency of Jack Gibbons through the middle while highlighting the efforts of Kyle Schneider, who has stepped up in the absence of regular hooker Josh Daley sidelined by a long-term knee injury.
Ready For Test Against Unbeaten Butchers
Saturday presents Dapto with arguably their biggest challenge yet against a Thirroul outfit that has opened the season with three wins on the trot.
The Butchers have built their campaign around a tough forward pack and strong yardage through their experienced back five.
Freebairn knows his side will need to match that intensity if they are to cause an upset.
“We know their back five are strong and they’re always a battle-hardened side,” he said.
“But at the end of the day, every team has to focus on playing their own footy and trusting their processes. That’s what we’ll be trying to do.”
Sunday footy is back
Sunday’s action begins with Corrimal taking on Collegians, as the Cougars look to continue their giant-killing form after upsetting defending premiers Wests a fortnight ago. Collies, meanwhile, will be eager to respond after suffering their first defeat of the year against Thirroul in Round 3.
Round 4 concludes with Sutherland-Loftus hosting Wests, with both teams desperate to make a statement. The Pirates will be searching for a fast start after being forced to play catch-up footy in recent weeks, while the Devils have had two weeks to reflect on their upset loss to Corrimal and will be determined to bounce back in premiership fashion.
File Image Credit: Denis Ivaneza