By Olivia Barry
Illawarra Cutters five-eighth Shaun Nona believes a strong start will be required against the Mt Pritchard Mounties at Aubrey Keech Reserve on Saturday.
The Cutters enter the encounter bouyed by a dominant display against the Newcastle Knights and will need to play a similar style in order to knock off their upcoming opponents who presently lead the NSW Cup competition.
The last time these two sides met the Cutters were decimated by early first half injuries which resulted in a comprehensive win to Mounties, who ran out 50-16 winners.
Nona admits the team cannot allow the scoreline to be similar this time around and is aware he and his teammates will need to start get off to a good start in order to be successful.
"I think we've just got to have a good start," said Nona.
"It was a bit unfortunate last time we played them with a couple of injuries, but the boys are rearing to go this weekend and hopefully turn things around.
"We are coming off a great win against the Knights but we cannot take that result for granted and know we must work hard to build a strong platform for the upcoming week.
"Mounties will be a good test to see where we are at this season and I think early momentum will dictate what the result will be."
