Family ties – and the wonderful leadership of a former elite Sydney-based local rugby union star – has helped get Dubbo Kangaroos into their first Blowes Clothing Cup home grand final since 2014.

This is no doubt partly due to the Roos’ first-year skipper, Jack McCalman’s experience in the premier NSWRU Shute Shield over the past decade. His top-line knowledge has proven invaluable in the club going one game further than last year’s heartbreaking finals losses.

The Roos also typically feature strong family ties as well as a great club spirit, with multiple generations supporting the 130-year-old institution founded way back in 1899.

Over the weekend, the Roos downed Orange Emus 38-21 in a clear statement of intent on Saturday. First grade has been dominating teams in attack all season, but McCalman says it’s their defence that has been a standout.

“On Saturday, we had two periods with 14 men after poor discipline earned yellow cards,” Jack recalled.

“But we maintained our composure, and it only cost us one try just after half-time,” he added.

The captain says his fellow forwards turned it around after a “horror” day against the defending premiers a few weeks ago.

“We have a powerful front-row and some excellent options from a fresh bench.

“Jack Kelly and fellow prop Will Fonahema give us stability and, with early season leader Smith back from injury, we are feeling confident going in to the decider against Emus or Cowra,” McCalman said.

When, pushed for impact players, the skipper singled-out powerhouse prop Will Fonohema for his incredible impact.

“He’s definitely got spiders on him when he gets the ball; the pink head-gear makes him a target for sure but, no matter where he gets the ball, he is like a bulldozer or ten-pin bowl,” Jack opined.

“He is our X factor for sure, but we have plenty of match-winners across the park and see this as a 23-man Roos team,” he concluded.

The Roos Seconds also defeated Bathurst Bulldogs, 32-19; Colts beat Emus 20-10, while the Ferguson Cup women’s team also held-off Orange City Lions in a super game 14-12.

Despite going down 26-5, Third Grade is confident of joining the other four teams in the grand final spectacular at No.1 Oval on Saturday week.