The Hunter River Times

BY ALEX TIGANI

The Pokolbin Reds will aim for a third straight win when travelling to Empire Park this Saturday.

The Reds have bounced back from a season-opening 27-12 defeat to Nelson Bay with hard fought wins over Medowie 12-10 and Singleton Army 19-10.

Currently sitting fourth on the table, they will now travel to play the sixth placed Cooks Hill for the first time since last year’s semi-final defeat.

“We have got a bit of payback to give to the Brownsnakes so we definitely want to go up there and give our best effort,” Pokolbin assistant coach Daniel Allars told The Hunter River Times.

“We want a bit of pay back for the finals last year.”

The return of Dan Thomas has been a catalyst for the Reds turnaround in a run which will see them face off against Griffins (away), Singleton Bulls Red (home) and Singleton Bulls Black (away) after the May 13 bye.

“He (Thomas) missed last year focussing on other things and Saturday’s win was kind of pleasing because we had a pull together squad,” he added.

“Our starting 15 is a real good rugby side with the return of Michael Stallard.”

The Reds will also be strengthened by the return of Olly Margan this week.