THEIR recent loss to the Gold Coast Titans may have ended their 2020 finals chances but the St George Illawarra Dragons are determined to end their season on a high.
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That's especially the case for Albion Park-Oak Flats junior Adam Clune, who has 12 NRL appearances to his name.
"We've obviously reviewed how we played against the Titans and had a discussion about what we could have done better and what necessary adjustments we could have made," Clune said.
"It's a week to week thing - one match you could score 30 points, the next you score one try, with the latter being the case for us last weekend.
"As a spine and a squad as a whole, we will make some small tweaks but we are generally confident in our game plan - as we didn't think we did a whole lot wrong last weekend.
"Credit to the Titans for slowing the ruck and our forwards down, which didn't allow us to get a roll on with the ball.
"It's obviously harder to create opportunities when their defensive line is set.
"At the end of the day, not much changes in terms of our preparation and we're all ready to put in an improved performance against the Cowboys."
Although he's still early in his rugby league journey, rival teams now have a bit of a feel about how the former Junee Diesel likes to play his footy.
"Especially as a half, it [scouting] is bound to happen," the 25-year-old said.
"Teams obviously do extensive video on each other's spines.
"The best way for me and us as a team to combat that is continuing to add elements to our game and try to evolve, which will make it harder for teams to defend against."
Much like his teammate Jackson Ford, Clune praised the club and Jack de Belin on the way they handled the situation - seeing the pair agree this week to a new deal, in principle, for the lock, pending the outcome his court case.
"Full credit to Jack for the way he's been able to apply himself over the past two years," he said.
"If we can get Jack back onto the field next year, it would be unreal - he's a class player and will make a massive difference to the team.
"I have no doubt he'd be able to step back onto the field now and dominate, as I believe he's still one of the top players in our game."
Despite four games remaining this season, including Sunday's clash with the Cowboys at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, the Red V this week continued planning for 2021, with a number of coaching interviews taking place.
"Obviously it would be great for the players to have some certainty moving forward," the halfback said.
"But all of that's out of our control and we've got some footy to play - which will obviously go a long way to setting us for next year.
"We've got a great coaching group in place now and I have total faith in them - it would be unreal to see Dean Young given a chance permanently.
"All the players love and respect him and hopefully he gets a chance to really leave his imprint on the squad from next year onwards."