NARRANDERA coach Tim Sullivan knows the Eagles need wins, and fast, if they are to reach their goal of finals football this season.
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Narrandera has endured a tough start to the year and are currently winless from the opening three rounds with losses to Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong, Griffith and Coolamon.
The loss last weekend hit hardest when they fell to the Hoppers by one point, despite having nine more scoring shots.
Sullivan knows the even nature of this year’s competition and is fully aware the Eagles can not afford to give away a big start to opposition teams in the race for finals.
With that in mind, Sullivan has placed a heavy emphasis on Saturday’s home game against reigning premier Collingullie.
“We can’t do anything else but roll these sort of sides,” Sullivan said.
“Our goal is set on playing finals and I believe we’ve got a team capable of doing it, we’ve just got to do it.
“Everyone says give it time, but we don’t have time.
“We can’t afford to give a big start away and that’s why this weekend is really big.”
Only three rounds may be gone but already the Eagles sit two games, plus considerable percentage, outside the top five.
While disappointed with their opening three losses, Sullivan maintains his team is not far away from a win.
“There is improvement and we are doing the right things,” he said,
“If we play each week like we did last week, I’m sure we’ll be right.
“I am worried we haven’t got that first win but it’s just a matter of consistency and staying at that level.
“We’ve played some good footy we’ve just got to stay there for four quarters and consistently string these games together.”
In positive news for Narrandera, Sullivan could return for his first game on Saturday.
Sullivan injured his shoulder in a trial game and has been sidelined since.
He hopes to return for the game against Collingullie-Glenfield Park, while key defender Luke Paterson is due to come back from an elbow injury.
It can only help against the Demons.
“We’re up against the reigning premier who everyone is sort of chasing I suppose,” he said.
“They’ve been pretty consistent over the last four years, ever since they’ve come into the RFL really, they’ve been the team to keep up with.
“If we can play our best for four quarters then we can really push them I believe, we’re starting to string together some good football.”
The Demons come off the bye, having beaten Wagga Tigers in round two.