Dubbo CYMS coach Tim Ryan is at a loss to explain how his side is regularly the most penalised side in Group 11.
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The Fishies sit undefeated at the top of the ladder and while winning on the field may seem comfortable, winning the penalty count has been almost impossible for Ryan’s side.
CYMS was penalised a huge 19 times in last weekend’s derby win over Macquarie, the final score was 14-4, and while stopping short of criticising decisions or any individual, Ryan was keen on an explanation as to why it was becoming a weekly issue.
“It’s very frustrating,” he said.
“I don’t know what we can do better. I know penalties are part of the game but I don’t think 19 is.
“I’ve had a chat to some (Group 11 officials and referees) but they just seem to agree after the fact and that doesn’t help.
“I’ve never seen this type of penalty count going one way consistently and I don’t know what the reason is.
“I’m not sure, maybe we just are the most ill-disciplined side in country rugby league.”
Captain Luke Jenkins and Jarryn Powyer were both sent to the sin bin for five minutes in last week’s win, making it nine players, according to Ryan, who have been sent from the field for swearing this season.
The coach will try and set aside his frustrations on Sunday when his side welcomes a finals-chasing Wellington Cowboys to Caltex Park.
While the undefeated Fishies against a Wellington side in sixth place mat be simple to predict on paper, Ryan isn’t underestimating the Cowboys.
Aidan Ryan and his men have made great strides this season but last weekend’s six-point loss to Narromine was a blow to the Cowboys’ finals hopes.
“We played them in round one and won pretty comfortably but I like what they’re doing there,” Ryan said.
“They’ve got a lot of young fellas and I thought it was good last we played when the main thing they wanted to do was play footy so they’re heading in the right direction.”
The Cowboys come into the match in a share of sixth with the Narromine Jets, both sides are just one point behind the Macquarie Raiders.
“A win is crucial to them because they want to play finals, just like Narromine and just like Macquarie so they’ll be up for it and we need to be ready to play,” Ryan added.
The Fishies coach has called for his side to be better all year but is relatively pleased with the way the men in green and white have performed in recent weeks.
With another unbeaten regular season within touching distance, the goal for Ryan is to now add polish, rather than make any changes.
The action at Caltex Park on Sunday starts with the league tag at 10am.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
