RUGBY LEAGUE
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Helensburgh coach Ryan Powell believes a disappointing round-four performance against Wests was the catalyst for his side's crushing win over Collegians last week.
The Tigers overcame a 12-0 deficit early in the grand final rematch to storm home for a 30-18 win in their best effort of the season.
"We were off against Wests and the boys were pretty disappointed with that, so it was good to turn it around against Collies," Powell said.
"We didn't start the game really well but in the second half and for about 10 minutes of the first half we really played close to our best."
Powell admits it looked ominous when the Dogs posted 12 quick points but praised the way his side fought back.
"I guess [being] 12-0 down switches you on," he said.
"We were just off early on, our heads weren't really in it and Collies were up for the challenge.
"From there we just started doing the little things right and the points started to flow for us."
The win ended a tough first round for the 2013 grand finalists.
"The hardest thing about the first round is getting switched on week in, week out," Powell said.
"It's tough. We always knew each club was going to challenge us and that's what we expected out of this season.
"If you're off like we were against Wests any team can come out and put you away.
"You've got to be at your best each week otherwise you're going to be missing out on two points."
Powell is expecting as much on Saturday from Dapto, fresh from their first win of the season.
He isn't reading much into his side's 28-6 victory over the Canaries in round one.
"They'll definitely be better again. They're going to have some players back in Lulia Lulia, Benson Tupou and Jamie Dunning, so they're three guys that are really going to boost their side," he said.
"They haven't had much go their way up to now but they could beat anyone. They had us on the ropes, it was 6-0 down there [Dapto].
"I'm sure they've improved and we've definitely improved as well, so it's going to be a good game."