UNDERBANK Rangers coach Ritchie Hawkyard believes his side must approach every game like a final to achieve his target of reaching the play-off final in September.
The 22-year-old, disappointed with the club’s record of six defeats in 10 League games, will welcome Warrington Wizards to The Cross tomorrow (2.30) in the Conference National.
It is the first meeting between the sides since the Wizards enjoyed a 54-14 win against Rangers in last season’s play-off semi-finals.
Hawyard said: “It is a big game and one where we must start to improve.
“We now need to approach every game like a final in order to achieve what we want come the end of the season.”
An inconsistent Rangers fell to a 16-14 loss at Liverpool Buccaneers six days ago and have managed just two wins since their league campaign started in April.
Warrington, however, are second in the Conference National table and have suffered only one defeat in their 10 games.
Hawkyard, reflecting on last week’s defeat against Liverpool, said: “Simon Burkinshaw scored on his debut which was a positive and prop Matt Stewart played well.”
But, in terms of Rangers’ performance overall, he added: “It was one of our worst of the season. Nobody turned up with the right attitude.
“There was no organisation between the half backs and it was a game where there were a number of handling errors made.
“We need to put that behind us now and start from scratch. I still believe we are more than capable of getting to the play off semi finals at the end of the season at least.
“We have been showing good signs in training.
“The fact we haven’t had a settled side from week to week, and had to swap and change things hasn't helped matters.
“We need to get consistency with this, hope for no injuries and just work hard.”
Hawkyard hoped recent absentees Matt Lodge, Jason Southwell and Tom Senior would return and be available for selection for the Warrington game.
