BATTLE OF THE RIVER: Ghosts focus on the little things

Grafton Ghosts have so far leaked an average of five penalties and three tries per match in 2017 as they put discipline first.

Grafton Ghosts centre Dylan Collett is congratulated on scoring a try against the Sawtell Panthers. Group 2 rugby league 2 April 2017 Rex Hardaker Oval Photo: Brad Greenshields/Coffs Coast Advocate. Picture: Brad Greenshields

RUGBY LEAGUE: DISCIPLINE.

It is one word that holds a lot of weight for Grafton Ghosts captain-coach Danny Wicks.

Since taking the reins at the Ghosts this season, Wicks has put a lot of focus on the side's ability to strangle teams out of the contest by instilling a strict level of discipline.

The Ghosts have so far leaked an average of five penalties and three tries per match in 2017.

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It is a record that an NRL-level coach would be proud of having after two rounds in the season.

But Wicks knows it is a long season and his side will need to stay on top of it, especially if they are to win the local derby.

We have really put work into a few fundamentals this year and discipline is the number one thing,” he said. "If you can't complete at 60 per cent, statistics will show you won't win.”

FIRST GRADE

1. Mitch Lollback; 2. Mitch Gorman; 3. Dylan Collett; 4. Khan Williams; 5. Joel Moss; 6. Clint Greenshields; 7. Jake Frame; 8. Adam Slater; 9. Todd Cameron; 10. Brett Wicks; 11. Matt Muller; 12. Danny Wicks; 13. Ben McLennan; 14. Riley Law

Originally published as BATTLE OF THE RIVER: Ghosts focus on the little things