AFTER what seems like a long break, the Phantoms will shake off any cobwebs this weekend.
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Leeton returns to No. 1 Oval on Saturday for the first time since May 20 when they played Albury.
Since then the side has had two away games and two byes for the representative rounds.
Many of Leeton’s players were selected in the representative teams, so they weren’t able to enjoy the break as much as others.
“It’s a bit of a funny one,” club president Bart Challacombe said.
“It’s great they’ve been picked in these sides and can show off their skills at a higher level.
“On the other hand, when they are some of your good players, you do want to wrap them up in cotton wool (during the break).”
The Phantoms have a good road ahead leading to the finals series of the Southern Inland Rugby Union competition.
Out of the remaining six round games left to be played, four of those will be done so on the Phantoms’ home turf.
The other two will be played in Albury and Wagga.
With Leeton currently sitting on top of the SIRU ladder, the news is positive.
Should they maintain that position, they will host the major semi-final at home.
Challacombe said while first grade had its eye firmly on the prize, there was still a lot of work to be done between now and then.
Their next hurdle is Wagga Ag College, who will travel to Leeton on Saturday.
“Traditionally being a university team they are usually smaller, but their scrum is still very good,” Challacombe said.
“We’ll have to be on top of our game in that area.
“They are a team that is probably similar to us in terms of our style of play.
“It should be a good game.
“We never go into any of them lightly.”
The Phantoms have been keeping a lid on their ladder-leading position as they know there is still a big job ahead of them.
“It’s probably the pressure we put on ourselves more than anything … it’s not coming from anywhere else,” Challacombe said.
“Marika is honest with his goals, but he also tells the players he has faith in them. The vibe around the club is very positive at the moment.”