Reigning GPS first XV premiers Joeys have been luckless in the opening three rounds of the 2023 season and remain winless heading into Saturday’s derby against Riverview at Leichhardt Oval.

Despite that, coach Greg Thompson remains confident his side has what it takes to return to the winner’s circle this weekend and challenge for the premiership this season.

“It’s been unusual to start the season with back to back draws and then a tight loss,” Thompson told Rugby News.

“But we’ve just got to keep working hard and hope that the bounce of the ball will start to go our way.

“I thought it was going to be a tight competition, but our first three rounds show exactly how tight it is.”