The Woonona Shamrocks won't use the absence of captain Anthony Allport as an excuse in today's stoush with Kiama at Ocean Park.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After starting the season with impressive wins over University and Shoalhaven, the Rocks are keen to maintain their unbeaten record.
Kiama drew the bye in round one before opening their account with last week's comfortable victory over Bowral.
Allport is sidelined with a foot injury but Shamrocks traditionally boast a deep playing roster and this season is no exception.
"We're virtually at full strength, because most of our team - even our bench - is pretty good calibre," Shammies co-coach Dion Miller said.
"We're pretty lucky that everyone's pushing each other for positions and it creates good competition within the team."
Miller said the Rocks have plenty of faith in Geordie Whitehead, Allport's replacement at hooker.
"Losing Anthony at this stage is a big loss and he could be out for a few weeks, but it's good to know we're going to get him back when we probably need him most," Miller said.
"The guys are really together and playing for each other and they're always standing by each other. There's a good feeling among the boys at the moment and we want to keep it that way."
Formerly the coach at Engadine, Miller and co-coach Richard Thompson are in their first year together at the Rocks.
"We're trying to put a few things in place and use them throughout the year," Miller said. "It's about getting all the boys on the same page and that's happening quicker than we thought. We've still got a lot to work on but we're getting there."
Kiama coach Craig Wells, a former NSW and Brumbies centre, is working hard to build a winning club and would view the Rocks as a major scalp for his young side.
"They had a good win last week so we're even par with them," Miller said.
"They're a fairly youngish team and are of a similar calibre to us with the make-up of their team, so it should be a very close game.
"We're just concentrating on getting our own game and our own backyard right. We haven't looked into them too much or done any homework on them, but we know they're going to be a very stiff opposition and we're going to be in for a good game."
Meanwhile, Tech Waratahs are staging the club's annual Ladies Day at today's home game against neighbours University.
"This is a very important event for our club," Ladies Day organiser Wendy McVicar said.
"There is entertainment for the children, raffles, food and champagne. It's a great day for the ladies that support our guys and make our club the wonderful social club that it is.
"Ladies Day is a great chance to showcase local rugby as more than just rugby."
In today's other games, Avondale host Shoalhaven and Vikings are away to Bowral.