By MARK CASHMAN

Western Sydney Two Blues coach Joel Rivers believes the team that “keeps its cool” will emerge from the big western Sydney derby with bragging rights and importantly first competition points of the year.

“Look there’s history between the two clubs and there’s not a lot of love between the two playing groups,” Rivers said.

“The team that is able to rise above that get square mentality that sometimes emerges in games like this and concentrates on executing a game plan is the one that is going to finish ahead on the day.

“That has been the thrust of what we have been talking about this week and I reckon my guys are up to the challenge.

“It’s going to be one of those games that is not decided until very later in the day. The team that scores first isn’t necessarily the one that is going to finish with the points.”

The Two Blues have been coping with a range of injury issues in the past couple of weeks but have been lucky to welcome back Sione Fifita and Riley Jacobsen to the back row.

Rivers has been impressed with the work that Fifita has been able to do this season and says that he is a player capable of making an impact further up the playing pathway.

“Sione’s just one of those intelligent players who knows what he has to do and gets out there and does it,” Rivers added.

“We have also missed Riley in recent weeks and he will add much to our game.”

Against Norths the Two Blues were very much in the game fell off the pace in the 10 minutes before and after halftime.

First up on the list or work ones for Penrith this week would have been their scrum.

The game against Manly at Nepean Rugby Park last Saturday began and finished with the first set piece of the day with the Emus constantly on the back peddle.

That saw the scoreline blow out a bit but the boys from the foot of the mountains are resilient.

Coach John Muggleton said the return of Sevanaia Nadruku in the second row would shore up the Emus scrum.

“We were missing our two starting locks last weekend against Manly and that was the major reason why we got shoved around a fair bit,” Muggleton said.

“But Nadruku is back and he should be able to stabilise the right hand side of the scrum for us which will go a long way to keeping us ion this game.

“I reckon it’s going to be an open game as the Two Blues like to run it and have a big off loading game.

“That means that our defence needs to be spot on and we have to use the ball we get atom those situations well.”

Muggleton added that Dean Blore continues to develop his game and that Jeremiah Fa’amasili will be players that the Two Blues will have to watch closely.

“It’s always a hard day at the office at Lidcombe Oval,” Muggleton added.

“I can’t remember going there and coming away with a win from my days playing rugby league with the Eels.

“But looking forward to it all the same.”

WESTERN SYDNEY TWO BLUES (1-15):

Jacob Delailoa, Nick Blacklock, Kalafi Pongi (c), Tuitakau Kioa, Vea Tevita, Sione Fifita, Riley Jacobson, Peni Tuitupou, Liam Tully, Rory Garrett, Niko Dalivusa, Phillip Pale, Zac Campton, Jordan Williams, Jayden Stokes.

PENRITH (1-15):

David Tifa, Delahoya Manu, John Pene, Timoci Wasarua, Sevanaia Nadruku, Mathew Faoagali, John Tuivaiti, Sosifa Funaki, Terry Fanolua, Dean Blore, Jeremiah Fa’amasili, Luke Nadurutalo, Riley Alcorn, Jale Seninawanawa, Masi Fidow.

LAST TIME: not applicable.

IMAGE: AJF PHOTOGRAPHY