GUNDAGAI second rower Blake Dunn has issued a chilling warning to the Tigers Group Nine premiership rivals.
Almost on the eve of a “reunion” with his former club Brothers at Equex Centre on Saturday, Dunn has declared Gundagai “haven’t peaked yet”.
“I still think there is a lot of growth in the team,” Dunn said. “I’m sure there is improvement (to come.)”
With Gundagai top of the table with 10 wins and a draw in 12 games, Dunn’s assessment should strike fear into other title contenders.
Gundagai has clearly the best attacking record in Group Nine, but is also the most miserly team in defence.
Dunn is adamant Gundagai’s strength is not just their awesome strike power.
“An impressive part is our sustained defence on our own line,” Dunn said.
“Nearly every week we have a 10 or 15 minute period of defending on our line.
“It even happened against Tumut couple of weeks ago, and we ran up a big score.”
Likewise, the Tigers overwhelmed Temora 38-6 last Sunday, but were under intense pressure at times.
“I think we defended for seven sets (of tackles), and they didn’t get any points out of it,” Dunn said.
For Dunn, the significance of playing for the first time against Brothers has not been forgotten.
“It’ll be strange I suppose,” he said.
“I was there for five years and there are lot of blokes, mates, there.
“I’ve also got two brothers (at the club).”
Dunn virtually carried the Brethren during his five-year stay before making the dramatic split to Gundagai this year.
Despite the history and family involvement, Dunn is not feeling any trepidation.
“You just go about your preparation as normal,” he said.
“It’ll be a bit strange but once you get on the field you don’t think about who you’re playing.
“They’re just colours and you get into it.”
As Gundagai heads towards the minor premiership in August, Dunn says the pleasure of the move from Brothers is not just about the success.
“Gundagai’s a great club and they’re great bunch of blokes,” he said.
“There are no egos and (Cameron Woo) has everything going really well.”
Thrashed 40-10 by Junee last Sunday, Brothers will be desperate to produce a quality performance against their old coach.
