Esposisto reflects on Rams debut
Dewsbury Rams forward Dario Esposito grabbed the Rams’ first and only try on debut against Bradford Bulls on Sunday, having come on as a substitute mid-way through the second half.
The Italian international caught the eye during the short time he spent on the field, though the former York man says there remains plenty for him to work on.
“I thought I did OK. There were a few issues and there are one or two things I need to work on, but obviously it was my first game,” said Esposito.
“I think I only got about 25 minutes in total, which isn’t a lot of time, and there are things to improve, but it’s not anything I’m worried about.”
The Rams were defeated 6-48 by the Bulls in their third and final pre-season friendly, though, despite the scoreline, Esposito says that the players have not been been too hard on themselves.
“I dare say that there were a few positives for us to take out of the game. We weren’t the team that we were against Halifax but there’s still a lot for us to build on, along with the stuff that we need to address ahead of the Doncaster match,” he said.
“We looked at the video and we could see that four or five of Bradford’s tries came from penalties or other errors from ourselves, and we probably made the sort of mistakes that the stronger teams, like Bradford, don’t make”
“It blew the scoreline out a little bit but I think we were definitely competitive at certain stages, but they’re full-time professionals and that does make a difference, although I don’t think fitness was an issue on Sunday as I think we’re a fairly fit squad.”
Rams head coach Glenn Morrison has run with match day squads of more than 20 for the three pre-season friendlies, but he must trim the figures in time for the Championship opening fixture away at Doncaster at the beginning of February.
“The competition for places is extremely fierce and I really couldn’t tell you what Glenn is thinking with regards to his plans for team selection,” said Esposito.
“There are guys who can play in more than one position, which makes it interesting. Browny can play in the halves but also cover loose forward, Jy-mel can do the same, and then me and Heppy can cover back row or prop, so it’s an intriguing one for Glenn.
“But overall I have really enjoyed pre-season. We’ve had a good mixture of tasks and it’s never been repetitive or boring, and I feel like we showed what we can do against Halifax, and when we come out against Donny I’d like to think that we can produce a similar sort of performance.
“It really is the benchmark and if we can reach that level then I think we’re in for a very good season in 2013. It’s just about finding our consistency.
“I’d encourage the supporters to come down and support the team,” Esposito added.
“We’re working extremely hard, but playing in front of an atmosphere can really lift the boys, so I hope we can get the stadium bouncing this year.”