Rams find form as finals push begins

PLAYERS in key positions and the ability to close out games under fatigue are boosting the Marist Brothers Rams’ chances of playing semi-finals this season in the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League.

Halfback Shallin Fuller is the main attacking threat, supported by five-eighth Jye Davis, hooker Paul O’Neill and fullback Noah King in the spine.

The Rams have just completed a crucial month of catch-up games, scoring three wins in seven days while also defeating competition leaders Cudgen 44-18.

“We’ve put some good footy together over the last few weeks,” coach Darryl Butcher said.

“It was always going to be tough to back up some of the games. I noticed we fatigued in the middle of the week, but we got through it.

“It was driven by the players, and I was really impressed with some of the defensive efforts they’ve put in.”

The Rams have plenty of depth this season, with the likes of Wally Kelly and Latrell Hampton covering multiple positions across the backline.

Hampton has also spent time in the forwards and has plenty of experience in big games.

“Latrell has probably played six or seven different positions this year and he’s got that class about him,” Butcher said.

“He is one of the best players to watch and I’ve been really impressed with him lately.”

The forward stocks have also been rejuvenated, with more depth up front this season.

Front-rower Lochie Perren leads the way, while second-rower Henry Lee had a strong representative season with the Northern Rivers Titans.

The top teams are rotating forwards between the bench and starting positions to stay fresh for the semi-finals.

“We were able to put Lochie Perren on the bench for the first 25 minutes against Kyogle and we’ve never been able to do that,” Butcher said.

“I do feel that we’ve burnt out at times in previous seasons and what we’re doing now will be beneficial in the long run.

“We match up well against a few of the top teams and I know they’re doing similar things with their rotation.”

Brothers have a big game coming up against Evans Head, who have been one of the top performers this season.

The game will be played at Stan Payne Oval, Evans Head, on Saturday, July 5.