Young secured their finals place with wins over the bottom three sides but are confident they can cause damage in September.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Cherrypickers haven't snared a top three win yet, with the closest being a 32-18 loss to Brothers after leading 18-6 in round five, however hooker Mick Picker believes the team is building in the right direction at the right time of the season.
"We were disappointing when we played the top sides, very disappointing I thought, but we've got ourselves together," Picker said.
"We've finally got a side who we know is going to be the side for the rest of the year.
"Early on there were a few blokes coming in and out but we've got the team now.
"Obviously we have blokes in reserve grade who can come and fill spots and it is good that way with plenty of depth.
"We will be aware next time. The first time around it was a new comp to us and we didn't know what to expect or how to beat a team.
"Now rather than going out there for the first time when you don't know what you are coming up against I've tipped Joshy (McCrone) up on what teams are like."
The late addition of Josh McCrone has given the side more direction but it is through the forwards where Picker believes the team has improved the most.
"The forwards had a lot to learn when we came," he said. "It is alright to have the plan but you need them to understand it and finally they are understanding.
"Everything is starting to click right at the right end of the year."
The three Picker brothers linked with the club in March before the COVID break.
They've been joined by some more new faces since and despite plans for the trio to play together ending when Ben Picker injured his knee five minutes into his second game they've enjoyed their new club.
"It's been good," Picker said. "Joey and I were talking on the way home the other night and said how we've always liked Young as a town and the travel hasn't been too bad.
"We've probably left it a bit late in our careers to do it but we got here finally and have enjoyed the year so far."
Ben's injury meant a shift from five-eighth to hooker for the middle of the three brothers, who played four NRL games for Canberra in 2011, but he's enjoyed the change of roles.
"I enjoy hooker and finished my professional career there," Picker said.
"I've never really worried about doing a bit of tackling so it is just straight forward.
"It is good with Josh (McCrone) and I've always said the halves are to look up and the hooker makes the decision where the ball goes."
Courtney Rees
Courtney is a sports journalist from The Daily Advertiser focusing on Group Nine, Southern Inland, cricket, harness racing and greyhound racing.
Courtney is a sports journalist from The Daily Advertiser focusing on Group Nine, Southern Inland, cricket, harness racing and greyhound racing.
