By MARK CASHMAN

The opportunities have been there in the first two weeks but Warringah coach Mike Ruthven believes his side is close to putting it all together as they prepare to take on Eastern Suburbs on Saturday.

The Rats have had what you would call a testing start to the Shute Shield season taking on Sydney Uni and then Randwick, and the suggestions of a contending side have been there – it’s just that it’s not showing on the scoreboard.

Prime example of this was late in the game against Randwick at Coogee when Harley Attwater looked set to score only to have the ball knocked from his grasp over the line.

That saw the Wicks hang on in what was the upset of the competition so far.

“We have had a really productive, positive week and worked hard on our execution and sharpened the detail on our A-Zone attack,” Ruthven mused.

“We have given ourselves plenty of opportunity to score points the last two weeks, it’s just about converting that pressure to points.

“The boys are not far off a really strong performance and the group is confident that the work we have done this week will provide us with that.

“Easts will be confident after a win last week and they have a strong roster so we will need to be on from the opening whistle.

“I’m particularly impressed by their No.7 Charlie Smith. Looks to be a fearless competitor and well supported by Sam Shires. Will be a great battle between the backrows.”

Eastern Suburbs coach Pauli Taumoepeau said his group had had a good week on the training paddock.

“The boys have been positive this week and you can only hope it transfers into the game,” Taumoepeau said.

“We’re under no illusion that a win this weekend requires a lot of work physically and mentally. But, we’re looking forward to this challenge. It’s a big challenge.

“We’ll need to be well rounded. Front up in the forwards then answer their strike players out wide.”

Can’t emphasis ow important this one is for the Rats with Gordon on the horizon.

WARRINGAH (1-15):
Jayden Taylor, Wes Thomas, Sam Needs, Andrew Davies, Sam Ward ©, Rory Suttor, Mungo Mason, Charlie McKill, Josh Holmes, Tom Halse, Charlie Tupu, Tyson Davis, Seb Wileman, Ben Woolett, Ben Marr.

EASTERN SUBURBS (1-15):
Faalelei Sione, Moli Sooaemalelagi, Archer Holz, Agustin Escalona, Jeremy Williams, Dean Oakman-Hunt, Charlie Smith, Sam Shires, Jack Grant (c), Nicholas Holton, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Henry Paterson, Will Paterson, Daniel Donato.