The Gundagai Tigers’ 32-22 victory over the Albury Thunder was more than just a win; it was a statement. This hard-fought contest solidified the Tigers’ second-place position on the Group 9 ladder, a crucial achievement after the Wagga Roos’ win over the Temora Dragons. But what made the victory truly imposing was the team’s ability to overcome a formidable Albury side while missing their veteran lock, Royce Tout, who was out with an injury sustained in a previous match.
The Tigers’ resilience in the face of adversity proved they are a team with genuine premiership aspirations, capable of performing at a high level even when key players are sidelined.
Tigers’ coach Aaron Gorrell admitted the team’s performance was far from perfect. “We were looking pretty patchy, but I think that’s been the case all year after we have had a week off, and there were a few blokes out as well,” he reflected.
The slow start was evident as the Thunder jumped out to a 10-0 lead. “We started slowly and they got a 10-0 lead on us,” Gorrell explained. However, the Tigers found their rhythm late in the first half. “We scored during the last ten minutes of that first half and were looking like we were going to run away with it.”
The momentum was short-lived, as the team made mistakes early in the second half. “With the kickoff for the second half, we gave a few penalties away and they scored two quick tries, and then we clicked into gear and played pretty well for that last 20 minutes of the game,” Gorrell said.
Despite the win, he was clear-eyed about the need for improvement. “We know we are going to have to improve on that leading into the semis.”
A notable highlight of the game was the outstanding performance of young winger Toby Dasey. A promising local talent who has progressed through the Gundagai ranks, Dasey has become a legitimate threat in first grade. He’s often on the try-scoring list, showcasing his attacking prowess and speed, which makes him a constant danger to opposing defences. His dedication to improving his fitness and performance has been a key part of his development, and his crucial try in this match underscored his importance to the team’s success.
The Tigers’ victory without Royce Tout speaks volumes about the depth of their squad and the coaching staff’s ability to adjust and overcome adversity. Tout is a key forward, known for his relentless effort and elite-level performance over a full 80 minutes. His absence could have been a significant blow, but the team rallied together to fill the void.
Gorrell was quick to praise the players who stepped up. He singled out Dylan Murdoch, who was playing his first game in first grade in a couple of years. “He gave us a lot of go-forward up through the middle,” Gorrell noted. He also praised Benjy Hannan, who started his first game of the year on the right edge and “did a great job.” Gorrell also highlighted James Morgan, who he believes “has been a standout for us for the last couple of months.” Ultimately, Gorrell concluded that “everyone who played did their job, and it was a good two points.”
With their second-place position secured, the Gundagai Tigers will now turn their attention to their upcoming match against the Cootamundra Bulldogs. Gorrell understands the dangers of underestimating their opponents, despite their position near the bottom of the ladder.
“I think their position on the table doesn’t tell the full story,” he stated. He pointed to the Bulldogs’ recent convincing 44-4 win over the Wagga Brothers as a testament to their potential. “Coming off a good win against Brothers, it’s going to be a tough week for us.”
Gorrell knows the Bulldogs are a physical team and has a clear plan for his players. “Coota are a very physical team, and we are going to have to make sure we hold up our lines and don’t let them have any decent ball possession,” he said.
He also re-called the last time the two teams met, where the Tigers only managed a tight 22-12 win, highlighting the Bulldogs’ ability to challenge even the competition’s top teams. With their final aspirations firmly in sight, the Tigers need to be on their A-game to maintain their momentum.
Gorrell’s focus is singular and unwavering. He dismissed the Challenge Cup, a trophy awarded to the winner of the last round of the season, as a distraction.
“The Challenge Cup won’t even come into the discussion for us,” he declared. “We are there to get the two points and then again, it’s not a given, so if we don’t turn up with the right attitude and play eighty minutes, the Challenge Cup is the least of our worries.”
Gorrell’s sights are set on a much bigger prize. “We want to finish top two, and to do that, we have to win the next two weeks, so that’s our main focus.” He acknowledged that the Challenge Cup “gives sides towards the bottom of the ladder something to play for this time of the year, but we won’t even speak about it, it’s not on our minds.”
Gorrell emphasised that the team’s minds are on the season-long goal of playing semi-final football. “Our minds are on training all year and playing all year, and to play semi-final football and hopefully make a grand final and win that. That is our focus. Challenge Cup is a nice little side thing, but we want two points.”
– Tully Potts
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