Starring performances from the returning Sam Green and tearaway flanker Jack Marchinton have ensured Emus hit the ground running in what is an abbreviated Blowes Clothing Cup in 2020.
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Taking on the Platypi in Forbes, the pair turned it on in the second half to turn a 14-8 half-time advantage into a thumping 48-8 win in round one.
Earlier in the week, Emus' coach Pete Bromley spoke about how hard it is to get points at Forbes' home ground and post-game he reflected on what was a pleasing result - despite the slow start from his men.
"We knew if we just stuck to the basics we could achieve what we wanted to," Bromley said.
"The longer we were out there the better we started to play."
Harry Cummins opened the scoring for Emus at Grinsted Oval and Nigel Staniforth's conversion gave the visitors a 7-0 lead early in the piece.
The hosts hit back with a penalty goal from the right boot of Angus King to reduce the margin to four, but a converted five-pointer to Marchinton again shot Emus ahead.
Giving Forbes the momentum heading into the break, gun No.8 Matt Coles marked his return to the Central West's top tier with a trademark try to keep the Platypi within striking distance at 14-8 at the half-time.
But that was as good as it got for Phil Prior's men.
A second-half double to Tom Joseph as well as tries to try-scoring hooker Charlie Henley, Staniforth and Sam Greatbatch sealed the first-up victory.
Despite the 40-point win, Bromley said Emus were at times guilty of giving away a few cheap penalties early on.
The second-year Emus coach, though, was happy with his side's composure.
"Last year we got into a habit of piggybacking teams out of trouble too much," he said.
"There were some in there today but nothing like last year."
Green and Marchington were the first pair Bromley mentioned but the coach also made an assessment of Archie Hall's debut, as well as Staniforth's performance.
"Archie had his impact in the centre of the field," Bromley said.
"He'll be a great asset to the team this season and will be much better as he gets fitter.
"Nigel turned up and did what he does... he made some good breaks and kicked really well."
Emus will return home before visiting Bathurst in a round two grand final rematch.