Danville: "These Are the Games You Work Hard All Season For"

Skirlaugh RL Head Coach Matt Danville believes his side has earned the opportunity to test themselves against one of the very best teams in the community game as they prepare to welcome National Conference League Premier Division outfit Thatto Heath in the next round of the BARLA National Cup this weekend.

With a place in the next round at stake, Danville says there is a real sense of excitement around the club as knockout rugby returns.

"We're really looking forward to it," said Danville. "The National Cup is a competition every community player wants to be involved in. These are the games you work hard for all season, against quality opposition, with something riding on every moment. There's a real buzz around the club this week."

Skirlaugh face one of the toughest tests in amateur rugby league against a Thatto Heath side widely regarded as one of the country's leading community clubs. While Danville has immense respect for the visitors, he insists his players are relishing the challenge.

"Exactly what you'd expect from one of the best community clubs in the country," he said. "They'll be physical, well organised and they'll punish you if your standards drop. We know the challenge in front of us and we've got a huge amount of respect for them, but we're excited by it rather than intimidated."

Rather than seeing the tie as a daunting task, the Skirlaugh coach views it as an opportunity to measure how far his side has come.

"We always talk about wanting to improve and challenge ourselves, and you don't get many better opportunities than this. It's a chance to see where we're at as a group against one of the benchmark teams in community rugby league."

Preparation has reflected the importance of the occasion, with Danville praising the attitude and commitment shown by his squad throughout the week.

"Training has been excellent. The intensity has been there from the first minute and the players have really embraced the challenge. We've focused on attention to detail, discipline and making sure everyone understands their role because against quality opposition you can't afford to switch off."

While extra detail has gone into analysing the opposition, the Head Coach says Skirlaugh's biggest focus remains on their own performance.

"Our preparation has been slightly more detailed, but we've still concentrated mainly on ourselves. We know what Thatto bring, but ultimately if we perform to our standards and execute what we've worked on, we'll give ourselves every chance."

Danville believes discipline and defence will be crucial if his side are to spring an upset.

"Our defence has to be outstanding. We'll need to control possession, complete high, defend our yardage well and earn the right to play. Against teams like Thatto, you don't get many opportunities, so when they come along we have to be clinical."

The Head Coach has also been boosted by positive selection headaches heading into one of the biggest fixtures of the campaign.

"We're in a good place. We've had a few players return at the right time and competition for places has been really strong. That's exactly what you want going into a game of this magnitude."

He singled out George Tommo, Josh Smith, Kieran Smith and club captain Josh Atkinson for consistently setting standards during training but stressed that the team's collective improvement has been the biggest positive.

"The pleasing thing for me is that everyone understands this isn't about individuals. The standard across the whole squad has lifted, and that's exactly what we need."

With home advantage on their side, Danville is also calling on the Skirlaugh faithful to create an atmosphere worthy of the occasion.

"Our supporters have been brilliant all year and we're asking them to get behind the lads again. These games can swing on momentum and having a loud crowd behind you can genuinely make a difference. Hopefully we can give everyone a performance to be proud of."

The BARLA National Cup remains one of the most prestigious competitions in the community game, something that isn't lost on the Skirlaugh boss.

"It's a huge competition with a lot of history. Any opportunity to represent Skirlaugh in the National Cup is special. For our players it's another chance to put the club on the map and show what we're building here."

Danville believes the contest could ultimately come down to whichever side manages the big moments best.

"Discipline, effort and who wins the key moments. There won't be much between the sides if we're at our best. The team that stays composed, limits errors and takes its opportunities will probably come out on top."

A victory over Premier Division opposition would undoubtedly be one of the club's biggest results in recent years, but Danville insists it would simply reinforce the progress being made.

"It would show that the work the players have been putting in is taking us in the right direction. We know one result doesn't define a season, but beating a side of Thatto's quality would be a real statement and give everyone at the club enormous belief."

His message to the players ahead of kick-off is a simple one.

"Enjoy it. These are the games every player wants to be involved in. Trust each other, trust the work we've put in all year and leave nothing out there. If we compete for every inch, stay connected and play for the badge on the front of the shirt, we'll give ourselves every opportunity. Whatever happens, make sure when that final whistle goes we can honestly say we gave absolutely everything for this club."