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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“We’ve put some good footy together over the last few weeks,” coach Darryl Butcher said.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“It was driven by the players, and I was really impressed with some of the defensive efforts they’ve put in.”<\/p>\n
The Rams have plenty of depth this season, with the likes of Wally Kelly and Latrell Hampton covering multiple positions across the backline.<\/p>\n
Hampton has also spent time in the forwards and has plenty of experience in big games.<\/p>\n
“Latrell has probably played six or seven different positions this year and he’s got that class about him,” Butcher said.<\/p>\n
“He is one of the best players to watch and I’ve been really impressed with him lately.”<\/p>\n
The forward stocks have also been rejuvenated, with more depth up front this season.<\/p>\n
Front-rower Lochie Perren leads the way, while second-rower Henry Lee had a strong representative season with the Northern Rivers Titans.<\/p>\n
The top teams are rotating forwards between the bench and starting positions to stay fresh for the semi-finals.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“We match up well against a few of the top teams and I know they’re doing similar things with their rotation.”<\/p>\n
Brothers have a big game coming up against Evans Head, who have been one of the top performers this season.<\/p>\n
The game will be played at Stan Payne Oval, Evans Head, on Saturday, July 5.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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. […]<\/p>\n