You could forgive Ben Knaggs for feeling a dreaded sense of deja vu this week.
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But the fact he and his Dubbo Kangaroos teammates have remained purely focused on Saturday's match while others were worrying the competition would be cancelled shows the mentality within the squad this season.
COVID-19 already resulted in one competition Knaggs was a part of this year being cancelled early but despite a NSW Health advisory on Monday which recommended "ceasing zone, regional or state championships or competitions" the Central West Rugby Union competitions will continue as planned.
"We've just kept our heads down," Knaggs said of this week's confusion.
"We haven't thought about that too much and whatever happens, happens but we're just looking to get on with the next game."
And while the build-up to the next cricket season is already starting to begin for some, summer sport will feel a long way away for Knaggs come Saturday.
The Roos are scheduled to head to Bathurst to take on the Bulldogs this weekend but there is the chance the game may not even go ahead given the expected snowfall to hit the region in the coming days.
A cancellation isn't getting much thought though and Knaggs is expecting nothing but one of the most difficult matches of the season.
The defending premiers sit one spot behind the Roos on the Blowes Clothing Cup ladder in third, having suffered a 31-19 loss in Dubbo in round one of this year.
"Bulldogs have always been the team to beat, along with Emus," Knaggs said.
"It's going to be a dog fight but it will be a great game. It's going to be tough and they'll be out for some revenge."
Knaggs will again pack down at flanker, having made the position his own last season.
Prior to that he had bounced around the forward pack but the settled nature of the lineup this season is one of the major reasons the side is sitting towards the top of the ladder.
After back-to-back seasons without finals a place in the post-season is looking more and more likely for the Roos this year.
We're a lot closer and have a lot more belief and that's showing.
- Ben Knaggs
"We had a strong pre-season even during all of COVID and we've gelled well as a group and stuck together and it shows," he said.
"Everyone is really happy with where we're at ... there's still a lot we can improve on but it's an exciting team."
Much of that excitement comes from the new-look backline and while conditions are expected to be far from perfect at Bathurst on Saturday that attacking threat will again be key for the Roos.
Filisione Pauta has been a valuable addition this year, while Johnny Mafiti has slotted into the backline with ease and teenager Jayden Blake hasn't been overawed at all since taking over the fullback's role.
"It's unreal to have them," Knaggs said, while also praising the work of his forward pack.
"This year everyone in the pack knows their role and is focused on their own game and creating opportunities.
"We're a lot closer and have a lot more belief and that's showing."
Kick-off at Ashwood Park on Saturday is at 3.15pm.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
