The Maitland Blacks need to be more ruthless and finish off games, skipper James Howell says.
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The Blacks finals hopes hang in the balance and they will be without Howell in Saturday’s ladies’ day clash against Merewether Carlton.
The champagne will be flowing off-field and Howell said it’s time for the Blacks to produce some champagne footy on the field in attack.
“It’s disappointing I can be there to help, but the boys have shown resolve and we need to get ourselves back in winning form,” Howell said.
After a strong start to the season, Maitland find themselves in a position where they can potentially claim third spot while being under siege by Southern Beaches to retain their finals spot.
NSW Country representative Howell injured his shoulder in last week’s 44-22 loss to Wanderers and said he would probably miss at least the next two weeks with a likely return against Waratahs in the final regular round match of the season.
He said he hoped the Blacks had secured a finals spot by then and would be playing for a double chance by finishing third.
“I don’t think anyone saw Southern Beaches getting the last two upsets that they did over Wanderers and Merewether,” Howell said.
“It puts us back to fifth and they’re still a chance if we drop another game.
“It makes it interesting for the tail end of the season.”
Howell said finishing third would give the Blacks a double chance during the finals, but they needed to become more ruthless in closing out games if they were to get there.
“Against Hamilton we were right in the game until just after half-time when we took our foot off the pedal. It was the same against Wanderers we were right into it with about 10 minutes to go,” he said.
“We have to have that ruthlessness to close out games.
Maintaining possession is also vital, with the Blacks gifting top sides Wanderers and Hamilton far too much ball in recent losses.
“Against Wanderers on the weekend we were 20 minutes defending off our line before they got even three points. That’s a credit to us, but we need the ball in hand,” he said.
Saturday’s ladies day activities start with the Blacks women’s team playing at 11am.
There will be fundraising throughout the day including a champagne and food package for $30 (pre-booked, $35 on the day).
Players will wear pinks sock to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation, with fundraising events on the day to help Carrie’s Place.
