SCOTT Coleman will consider freshening up the Hunter Wildfires to lessen the risk of his players getting punch drunk as they enter the second half of their Shute Shield campaign.
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The Wildfires, a late inclusion in a shortened 13-week Sydney competition, have taken on the top six teams in the opening six rounds.
For the most part, they have competed hard but have lacked class, composure and concentration at key moments.
It was like Groundhog Day against an undefeated Gordon outfit at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday.
The Wildfires led 7-5 after 19 minutes, produced some bruising defence and despite conceding two quick tries to swing momentum, were in the contest up to the ears at half-time, down 24-7.
Gordon, as you would expect from the competition favourites, found another gear on the way to a 50-7 win..
The result was an eight-tries-to-one romp. It was the third time the Wildfires have conceded 50 points in six games. Their 29-all draw with Manly in round four showed what they can do with an 80-minute effort.
Next are Easts, who inflicted Norths first loss (24-14) on Saturday, before the bye.
The Wildfires then have a string of games against teams in the middle and lower half of the table.
That was always the part of the draw where Coleman pinpointed opportunities for wins.
But he is mindful of ensuring he has enough petrol in the tank for the lesser teams.
"Every week, we have a crack and think 'we are in this', then it just gets blown away," Coleman said.
"You can't fault our blokes' commitment. They are competing hard and we are very physical. It's just that execution. We are lacking a bit of direction.
"I can't really put my finger on it. Hopefully we get through these next two weeks and we can come home with a bit of momentum.
"I will have a good chat with the staff and have a look at the video again. There were a couple of disappointing things."
Chris Ale (calf) and Steve Lamont (concussion) will be available for the class against the Beasties, while Melbourne duo Declan Cox (hooker) and Matt Dewar (prop) were strong in second grade in their first appearance after completing quarantine.
Gordon made the perfect start. After securing the kick-off, the Highlanders worked up-field, recycling the ball, forwards linked with the backs and 12 phases later Tautalatasi Tasi charged over.
The Wildfires hit back eight minutes later when No.8 George Noa crashed over after sustained pressure on the Gordon line. Michael Moloney converted for 7-5.
They held the lead until the 20th minute but two Gordon tries in three minutes swung momentum.
The Highlanders added another on the stroke of half-time, after Wildfires captain Adam Edwards was sinbinned for a professional foul, to lead 24-7 at the break.
The home side were in the contest, and with a strong wind at their back in the second half, Coleman was optimistic.
But those hopes were quashed two minutes after the break when halfback Harrison Goddard broke free up the middle of the field and sent Josh Nercessian over. Rod Iona added the extras for 31-7.
The victory earned Gordon coach Scott Coleman bragging rights over his brother and opposite, but the highly-rated tactician, said the scoreline wasn't a true reflection of the match.
"Gee they were physical," he said. "I thought they were really tough. When we come out and scored those couple of quick tries after half-time it could have got ugly but they never quit. They stayed in it and made us work hard for the points. They stayed in it and made us work hard for the points.
"They would be a lot better with a full pre-season and just knowing they are in the competition. The continuity of the team returning. If you look through the Sydney teams, there are probably 10 or 12 first graders from Newcastle down there. If you get a few of them back.
"If that is what the town wants and what the rugby union wants they definitely have produced enough players and have a big enough comp to support a really competitive Wildfires team."
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