“We travel to Gunnedah this week with three grades, under 16, reserves and first grade. We’re getting a bus down there for the first time this year,” Davidson said.

“We know we’ve got the teams there to win.

“In first grade the interesting thing is that although we’re not in the top five, we can actually knock Gunnedah out of the top five with a win.” Davidson said the Highlanders had a pretty good record against the Red Devils, but would need to get on top of the Reds’ forwards to take it out.

“That’s where their strength is, and the boys are fully aware of that and they’re pretty confident,” he said.

Davidson said the team had come to terms with being on the bottom tier, had a really good attitude and had trained well.

“We will miss the captain, Chad Makim, in the forwards this week. He’s out and that will be a big loss, but the actual team itself quite settled now. The only changes now from week-to-week are unavailability,” Davidson said.

About three quarters of the 2005 reserve grade side made it to Saturday’s reunion, and Davidson said a good time was had by all.

“They shared a lot of stories, had a lot of fun and went through a few rituals that they’re used to doing,” he said.

Davidson also said White Ribbon Day the week before had raised about $12,000.

“I think $10,500 came from the jersey auction, which was absolutely fantastic, and I must mention, too, that Roger Yeo spoke in the clubhouse after the game,” he said.

“It was a very moving speech and it brought home what White Ribbon is all about. I know a lot of the boys were talking about that speech afterwards.

“Everyone listened to every word, took it on board and started thinking about their own lives and where we go from here.” 

Davidson said the club couldn’t be happier supporting White Ribbon and would continue to do so each year.