EMUS Chicks veteran Amanda Ferguson is buzzing with confidence heading into tomorrow’s Central West Women’s major semi-final with Dubbo Rhinos.

Chicks have met Rhinos three times this season, losing their first two games and drawing the third.

Ferguson said the next step was an all important victory in the major semi-final on Saturday.

“We’re fired up for a physical game,” she said.

“Of course we’re going to win.”

While confident now, Ferguson admitted team morale was low earlier in the season.

“We copped a few floggings early on, but now we’re winning,” she said.

The Chicks have gone through a rebuilding season this year but Ferguson applauded her teammates for “gelling so well” in such a short period of time.

“Some younger girls have come in and we’ve really turned it around, but this game is going to come down to who wants it more,” she said.

But in order to win on Saturday the team will need their captain Lana Grieve (formerly Masling) to stand up.

Ferguson described Grieve as a “hard working motivator” who drives the team to victory with her dedication and consistency.

Grieve, a prop, has been playing for the Chicks for five years now and this year earned her spot as captain of the team.

Her efforts will be required once more for Saturday’s game.

Asked how her team can beat Rhinos for the first time this season, Grieve said it was the simple stuff they had to get right.

“Breaking from the scrum and shutting down their fast girls, that’s what we’ll need to do,” Grieve said.

“We know some of their moves now so it’s going to be close.”

The captain said she is looking forward to leading from the front in what will be the biggest game of the year so far.

LEADER OF THE PACK: Lana Grieve (right) will captain the Emus Chicks in tomorrow’s major semi-final. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 0820sgrugby