After a winning start to their Country Championships campaign, Riverina's women's side is bracing for a much bigger test.
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A strong second half performance pleased the Bulls come from behind to down Macquarie Wests Tigers 24-12 at Camden on Sunday.
However coach Andrew Hinchcliffe expects Illawarra to provide a bigger challenge when the two sides clash in Wollongong this Sunday.
"They are a bit next level," Hinchcliffe said.
"Sunday really cemented in my mind there is plenty of opportunity to improve.
"Our team has a really strong culture and the girls are really committed and keen, but if we can increase our execution I'm confident we will be thereabouts.
"It is definitely a step up for us though."
Riverina struggled early to hold onto possession and the Tigers made them pay.
However Hinchcliffe was thrilled with the team's response.
"Our effort was really good and it was a great way to kick it off," he said.
"We did give the opposition a lot of opportunity, turned the ball over a lot and I wasn't surprised our execution was a bit rusty but the way we defended our errors, our attitude and our commitment was really sound.
"We were more than able to overcome that, which was really pleasing."
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After missing last season due to pregnancy, former NSW State of Origin player Lele Katoa was among the team's best.
Hinchcliffe was also thrilled with the role Ua Ravu played in the side.
"Ua Ravu was tremendous in the middle, played a full game and got through a power of work really holding our middle together," he said.
"Lelei Katoa was unbelievable as well.
"For a lady who had a baby eight or so months ago to come back and play a full game like that without a whole lot of preparation is huge.
"She was instrumental in holding us together, getting us going forward and providing good opportunities with offloads."
Ravu's younger sister Janiana scored a double in the win.
After stepping into the fullback role after the withdrawal of Tess Staines, Hinchcliffe was also thrilled with how Sophie Gaynor adapted to the position.
Especially as she sealed the win with a late try.
"It was a bit of a new challenge for her and I thought she did really well," Hinchcliffe said.
"I know she did a lot of work in preparation for the game to make sure she was feeling really comfortable and I was really pleased for her to see her play really well."
Illawarra are yet to start their campaign after their planned clash with North Coast Bulldogs was postponed.
Hinchcliffe hopes having a game under their belts will be an advantage.
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