IT'S only the third week of Super Rygbi Cymru but Ebbw Vale boss Jason Strange has play-offs on his mind.
The Steelmen entertain Premiership champions Llandovery at Eugene Cross Park on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm) and shortly after the final whistle Warrington Wolves host St Helens in a Super League eliminator.
It has been a superb season for Wire under rugby league legend Sam Burgess, who also led them to the Challenge Cup final.
Ebbw supremo Strange has played a part in that success as part of his coaching team, working on kick strategy and helping the assistant coaches.
The former fly-half made the move to Warrington from their play-off opponents, who he helped win Super League crowns and the Challenge Cup.
“It’s my first year at Warrington after St Helens and hopefully we can finish with a bit of silverware,” said Strange.
“It works out well with Ebbw Vale, it’s a big commitment in the summer and involves a fair bit of commuting but I love it.”
Strange, who played for Ebbw, Newport, Bristol and Leeds among others, used to travel to watch Saints and Wigan in his teenage years.
The 50-year-old is now an experienced coach who has honed his skills with the Steelmen, Wales Under-20s and Cardiff in rugby union.
Now he is learning from a novice in 35-year-old Burgess, a titan of the 13-man code.
“Sam has been excellent and is up there with the best that I have worked with as a leader and man manager,” said Strange.
“The club is in a really good position to go from strength to strength because of the culture. Everyone is driven to win but there is still that enjoyment.
“Sam’s biggest strength is how authentic and honest he is and he hasn’t got many, if any, weaknesses.
“He is a proper leader with his knowledge of the game, the way that he deals with senior players and his emotional intelligence.
“There might be the perception of him as somebody who is strong and emotional but he is the opposite – calm, composed and delivers very well.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him and he will be a very special coach.”
Strange will hope to have a busy diary all the way up to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 12.
Ebbw face a big test to do their part of a Saturday double when they welcome the Drovers to Eugene Cross Park.
After opening the season with a bonus-point win against Aberavon, the Steelmen failed to take their chances in Cardiff’s 22 last time out when beaten 29-12 at the Arms Park.
They face a Drovers side who were stunned 28-23 by RGC in Colwyn Bay, that after they sneaked past Pontypool on opening night.
Pooler will feel that it was a missed opportunity against the champions but they got up and running at Bridgend last weekend when winning 29-26.
It is their turn to make the long trip north this weekend with a tough test against RGC, who won 37-26 when the teams met in Colwyn Bay last season.
Newbridge and Cross Keys face stern tests on the road in the Premiership when they travel to Pontypridd and Neath respectively while Bargoed travel to Cardiff Met.
Saturday fixtures
Super Rygbi Cymru: Carmarthen Quins v Cardiff, Ebbw Vale v Llandovery, RGC v Pontypool, Swansea v Bridgend.
Premiership: Brecon v Newcastle Emlyn, Cardiff Met v Bargoed, Merthyr v Ystrad Rhondda, Narberth v Llangennech, Neath v Cross Keys, Pontypridd v Newbridge.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here