NOWRA-Bomaderry Jets coach Ben Wellington rates this weekend’s clash with Albion Park-Oak Flats as crucial.
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The Jets can secure their place in this year’s finals series with a win and that is exactly what Wellington is aiming for.
“Finishing in the top four depends on this game, so I’d say it’s a crucial part of our season,” Wellington said.
“We want to be playing good footy in the lead up to the finals and if we win all our games, we can still jump into third,” he added.
The Jets are only behind the third-placed Gerringong on for and against and with the Lions facing a tough clash with Warilla, the Jets could well jump into third after this week if all goes their way.
“We’re still in the hunt for that third spot and I’m trying to push the guys to finish as high as we can,” he said.
“If we do finish third, we’ll get two shots in the semis and that’s definitely what we’re aiming for,” he added.
Another goal for Wellington before the finals is for his side to improve their discipline.
Too many times this season they have invited teams back into the contest with momentary lapses, as was the case in their last hit out with Port Kembla, which they eventually won 40-22.
“We started really well with a couple of tries in the first 10 minutes, but then it was just the same old story,” Wellington said.
“It’s like we switch off and little, silly things start creeping in.
“I don’t know what it is, but we need to get it out of our game.”
Wellington was forced to give his players a verbal spray during last week’s game, but it is something he hopes he won’t need to do again.
“I hate doing that as a captain and a coach.
“It’s frustrating, because the boys know what they’re doing wrong, but it’s like we’re in flight mode.
“We’re making it hard for ourselves and I hate to say it, but it could be the be all, end all of our season.
“Against those top sides, they don’t let you make those mistakes, so if we can’t complete our sets and defend, we will struggle in the semis.”
While they still need to iron out a few creases, Wellington is backing his side to get the two points on Sunday.
The Eagles haven’t had a great season, but a few sides have learned the hard way what they are capable of on their day.
“They really showed how good they can be when they beat Warilla,” Wellington said.
“If they build pressure that can happen to us, so we need to grind them out of the game.
“This is one of our most important games of the season and we can basically cement our spot in the finals.
“I’m really confident going in and if we have a good start and complete our sets, we should be right.”