A DISAPPOINTING crowd at Caltex Park witnessed the Rhinos produce a magical first 40 minutes of flowing rugby to lock the minor semi-final away by the break.
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Coach Darren Taylor, who's only real interest was to win this game, again gave his bench game time in the second half which allowed the Coonabarabran Kookaburras to dominate possession but only score two tries to one.
The game began with the Kookaburras testing out Rhino fullback Ed Morrish, who proved safe under the high ball and whose kick returns were pinpoint and gave the Rhino forwards every chance to retain possession downfield. The game lacked nothing in intensity but the Rhino backline was producing some excellent passing rushes and pitched camp deep in Kookaburras territory.
Rejecting two very kickable penalties, the Rhinos continued to press the line until breakaway Chris Daley drifted across field from a scrum and linked up with winger John Hausia, who flew down the touchline bumping off defenders and scoring the first points.
A minute later, outside centre Ricky Weatherall found himself outside the sliding defence and showed his pace in a 40m dash to the line without a hand being laid on him.
For the next 12 minutes the game was fairly evenly contested at scrums and lineouts until the Coonbarabran forwards formed a rolling maul and sent captain Lonnie Stone over from a few metres.
The home side responded with two tries; one from John Hausia in the repeat of his first effort of the afternoon and one to halfback Vili Taurava who scooted down the right wing scattering defenders as he went.
Lock Scott Francis scored the fifth try of the half which completed a dominant first stanza for the locals.
However, Kookaburras' dangerman and breakaway Luke Mack made the most of a defensive lapse from a scrum and scored easily right on the bell to take a 31-10 deficit into the sheds.
The second half was a procession of possession for the visitors but as much as it pleased their fans they could only score 12 points and at no stage appeared likely to threaten the Rhinos' lead.
Lonnie Stone scored his second try for the Kookaburras by peeling off another rolling mall while half-back Ben Blake did likewise a few minutes later.
Rhinos captain Brett Austin capped a good afternoon by scoring try number six for the Rhinos, who ran out easy winners, 38-22.
There is now a two week wait for the Rhinos while Trangie and Yeoval fight out the major semi-final next Saturday at Trangie.
The loser of that game hosts the Rhinos the following weekend with the grand final another week away.
Both those teams have totally committed (some might say 'rabid') supporters and the Rhinos will definitely need the backing of the entire club, plus friends and family, to add their cheers.
Keep an eye on the Daily Liberal for travel plans.