Brothers scored a convincing win on the scoreboard but new Kangaroos coach Hayden Ashcroft is confident he has plenty to work with in 2020.
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The score blew out in the all-Wagga clash at Equex Centre on Saturday with Brothers taking a 30-10 win to start the season.
However Kangaroos opened the scoring try, and were within striking distance midway through the second half, before their rivals slick back line made them pay.
Ashcroft didn't believe the scoreline reflected his team's performance.
"I think we were in the mix there but just didn't capitalise at the right time," Ashcroft said.
"I don't think we got beaten by a better side but thought we beat ourselves."
However he believes there is plenty of to work on, especially with their defensive combinations.
Ashcroft thought they gave Brothers too much time with the ball and they made it count.
Ashcroft didn't rule out making changes to the new-look side ahead of an important clash with Tumut at Equex Centre on Saturday.
"There were some glimpses of some poor defence out wide," he said.
"I think we matched it with them in the middle, and I'm pretty impressed with how some of our boys, especially Craig Field and Matt Henery went in the middle.
"We didn't capitalise on our opportunities and a few drop balls were potential tries. They were the two big things to take out of it.
"We've got to work on a bit of defensive structure out wide and I'll get to training and hold people accountable.
"There might be a few changes but we will see what the week brings."
Hayden Jolliffe got Kangaroos off the perfect start when he scored after 15 minutes but Brothers were quick to respond with tries to Jordan Little and Cade Price.
Captain-coach Cameron Breust then ensured they had a good lead at the break when he converted his own try.
James Morgan then scored against his former team before Ashcroft scored his side's second try.
However any comeback was quickly stopped when Joe Legatt and Chris Maher scored in the final 11 minutes to hand Brothers a winning start.
Kangaroos had seven players make their first grade debut with Ashcroft also making his return to the club.
He's confident they can put in a better showing against Tumut, who had a draw with Gundagai to start the season.
"I think if we can put a good performance in we will be able to beat any side but we just didn't display what we are capable of," Ashcroft said.
"I don't think the score was a reflection of the game itself. I thought it was in the balance there, especially through the first half and even the start of the second half.
"They scored a couple of late points in the end."
Meanwhile Brothers will be the first team to tackle a new-look Southcity outfit, who have lost plenty of talent, at Harris Park on Saturday after the Bulls had the bye to start the season.
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