IT WAS a festival of regional rugby at Rockhampton's Rugby Park last weekend, where Wide Bay, Western Queensland and CQ Brahmans clashed.
The Brahmans were triumphant, scoring 123 points and conceding only 18 in their two games.
"Momentum is a big thing for rugby - or any sports - and Friday and Sunday certainly showed that," said Brahmans coach Onehunga Matauiau.
On Friday night Wide Bay went down to the Brahmans 59-5, but Matauiau said the score did not reflect the match.
"The game was tougher."
Wide Bay then went on to beat Western Queensland the following night, 34-17.
On Sunday morning Western Queensland took on the Brahmans, giving them a run for their money in the first 20 minutes, but the Brahmans pulled themselves together and went on to win 64-13.
"These boys thoroughly deserved the wins. They have played seven games in this competition and only lost one," Matauiau said.
The previous weekend the team beat Central Highlands 29-16 after losing to the Darling Downs in a close game last month.
The Brahmans began their winning streak in pre-season games against premier clubs Brisbane Norths and Gold Coast Eagles - winning both.
Matauiau said self-belief was a major factor in the Brahmans' performance. When taking on the coaching role this season, it was a matter of making sure they followed his instructions as "I know what worked for me as a player and as a coach".
"The biggest turn-around for them was beating Brisbane Norths; they obviously doubted me when I talked before the game but afterwards? The results can back up the self-belief."
Along with aggression, being physical and having mental toughness, building a culture within the team where they trust each other and looked after one another off the field is also important.
"Once we got that right, they would do anything to look after each other on the field. It's part of the family culture."
These clashes acted as trials for the Queensland Country Championship to be played between North Queensland, South Queensland and Central Queensland in Port Douglas June 6-9.
Matauiau will name his squad selected from the Brahmans, Central Highlands, Wide Bay and Western Queensland next week.
