By Henry Jacobs

After the opening four rounds of the 2015 National Rugby Championship Brisbane City sit in a commanding position, having won every match comprehensively to lead the competition at the halfway mark.

Thursday’s 55-29 defeat of the North Harbour Rays at Ballymore was City’s eighth win in a row, across the 2014/15 seasons, and saw the side maintain their grip on the Horan-Little Shield.

“We are very happy with our start, last year we didn’t manage to win four in a row until our run through to the title so to be four from four at this stage we are very happy with where we are,” Brisbane City coach Nick Stiles said.

“Every game we have played we have played for 80 minutes, we might of had some periods through games where we have dropped off or gotten a little bit loose and tried to force the pass, but what has pleased me the most has been our dedication to playing the full 80 [minutes].”

City have averaged 42 points a match this season, scoring 24 tries in the process, and exhibiting the type of play the NRC has become known for.

Whilst the statistics would suggest that they are in top form, Stiles believes his side still has a lot more to give.

“Not being arrogant, but we feel we have left 20 points out there in some games this year, with the extra value of conversions it’s very important to score tries and we think we can do better in that regard,” Stiles said.

“In the last three games we have picked up bonus points on full time or close to, it just shows the desperation of players that aren’t happy with just a win, they want more.”

The short preparation period, faced by many sides, has hampered City’s ability to focus on the finer aspects of their game; but with four matches in the regular season remaining they will be looking to address weaknesses identified in their lineout defence as well as on kickoff reception.

With tough challenges against the NSW Country Eagles, Sydney Stars and UC Vikings ahead in the coming weeks Brisbane is intent on maintaining focus.

“This year I feel we’ve got a much more mature team and we’ve got a bigger drive for excellence, that is going to be our focus,” Stiles said

“Whilst we still want to win every game we want to strive to get so much better in a few areas of our game.”

Two wins from their last four games would almost certainly see City qualify for the semi-finals, but they will be hoping to finish in the top two to gain home field advantage for the knockout stage.

With an average attendance of over 6,000 in 2014, the highest in the NRC, and healthy figures so far in 2015, the Ballymore faithful could provide a welcome boost for the side.

“Ironically last year both semi finals were won by the away team, so it’s not the be all and end all of things,” Stiles said.

“But I just think the way the Queensland public have embraced the NRC and the amount of work that the QRU puts into promoting it, you nearly feel they sort of deserve a home final – so hopefully we can continue on the back of this comp and earn the right to host a semi final or grand final.”

Brisbane City now have an eight day turnaround before facing NSW Country at Ballymore on September 20.