The Cowra Eagles are gearing up for a fresh season, and Coach Chris Miller is optimistic about the upcoming draw.
With the season’s draw now released, the team is focused on their own preparation rather than their opponents.
"The draw didn’t really change much for us,” Chris said.
“I guess it’s more about looking at ourselves and how we’re tracking for the season ahead.”
“If we’re prepared right, then it won’t matter who we’re playing.”
Latest Stories
"It’s all about playing to our potential."
The Eagles’ 2025 season kicks off with a tough matchup against the Orange City Lions on April 12 at Orange City Rugby Club.
From there, Cowra will host the Forbes Platypi on April 26 at home, followed by a showdown with the Bathurst Bulldogs on May 3.
The early rounds are critical for Cowra, with three home games in the first five rounds.
"It’s always been a big emphasis in Cowra rugby to use your home games as best you can,” he said.
“We’ll be looking to have some good games at home and build upon that for the away matches.”
"Having three home games early will definitely help us towards the back end of the season, where we’ll have three at home again."
One of the standout games on the calendar is a second home match against Sydney teams, coinciding with the Shute Shoot.
"That’ll be a big day for everyone, with Sydney teams coming down,” Chris said.
“Everyone will be keen to play and put on a good show," Miller noted.
However, the season also includes some tough away games, particularly two trips to Dubbo.
Traveling to Dubbo poses a unique challenge for Cowra.
"It’s a challenge to find numbers of players, and it’s a challenge for the playing group to see if they’re up for committing to a full Saturday," he said.
"But it’s something we’re looking at favourably.”
“Those trips will be a good test for everyone."
As for preseason preparations, Chris is pleased with the team’s progress.
"Preseason is going really well,” he said.
“Positivity is there.”
“The boys keep responding to the fitness challenges we’ve set for them.”
“They keep turning up week in, week out, which is really positive from everyone’s perspective,” Chris said.
The Eagles are focused on maintaining solid fitness levels without overcomplicating the game.
"It’s not a hard game if you keep it simple," he said.
"Just build upon the basics and stay fit.”
“Trying to complicate things will only hurt you.”
“We’re going to focus on that and go from there."
The full 2025 draw for the Cowra Eagles includes several other key matches:
April 12: vs Orange City Lions (Away)
April 26: vs Forbes Platypi (Home)
May 3: vs Bathurst Bulldogs (Home)
May 10: vs Dubbo Kangaroos (Away)
May 24: vs Orange Emus (Home)
May 31: vs Orange City Lions (Home)
June 14: vs Forbes Platypi (Away)
June 21: vs Bathurst Bulldogs (Away)
June 28: vs Dubbo Kangaroos (Home)
July 5: vs Orange Emus (Home)
July 12: vs Orange City Lions (Away)
July 26: vs Forbes Platypi (Home)
August 2: vs Bathurst Bulldogs (Home)
August 9: vs Dubbo Kangaroos (Away)
August 16: vs Orange Emus (Home)
