Richard Knight is confident of seeing a different Underbank Rangers in National Conference League Second Division action at Blackbrook tomorrow.
Newly-promoted Rangers opened their season with a bitterly-disappointing 14-12 home defeat to Leigh East last weekend.
Underbank’s downfall that day was a lack of attacking edge.
But Knight is confident his side can put that right and get the better of fellow promoted side Blackbrook, who secured the League double over Bank last season.
“Last weekend, we looked lost with ball in hand,” said Knight.
“And as head coach I have to cop a bit of stick for that.
“We spent a lot of pre-season working on our defence and making sure we were a lot stronger physically for the challenges ahead.
“In hindsight, we probably focused a bit too much on that rather than working on our attacking combinations, particularly as we’ve got a new half-back partnership this season.
“So, this week, training has all been about getting the ball in our hands and working on our attack.
“It means we’ll be going to Blackbrook looking to play a different way to last week against Leigh East. We’re confident the outcome can be positive.”
Underbank did suffer a couple of opening-day injury blows, with full-back Sam Hendrick sidelined for a month with a damaged knee and new forward signing Matthew Bravo ruled out for a fortnight with a shoulder problem.
But in their place come in vastly-experienced duo Neil Barrett and Craig Williams, who returns to the pack after taking a break from the game last season.
In Williams’ absence, Dan Farrand has emerged as a front-row forward of some note, with Knight full of praise for the way the former Newsome Panthers junior has come to the fore.
“When Dan came to us a couple of seasons ago, he was playing on the wing,” added the coach.
“But he’s now developed into a cracking front-rower, who we know we can turn to when times are tough.
“That was epitomised with last week’s game. With Matthew Bravo picking up his shoulder injury after about 15 minutes, it meant Dan had to play 60 to 65 minutes, which he did very well.
“He really is setting a great example for us, and if everyone else around him follows his lead we know we’ll win the vast majority of our games.”
