Morn wasn’t sure how the team would respond after the previous year had ended in turmoil and he was weary of the setbacks they faced.

Rangers started the season on negative three-competition points and were forced to play two of their home games on the road inside the opening month.

However, with the punishments behind them, Rangers sit in second position halfway through the campaign and Morn is confident his side has what it takes to go all the way.

“We have proven we are one of the top sides and we can win this competition,” Morn told the Argus.

“But there is a long way to go and the other sides will be better in the second half of the year. All of the teams will be better conditioned and have games under their belts so we still need to get better.

“Considering the penalties that were against us, to be where we are is fantastic, I would have been happy with somewhere in the top four but we have a comfortable spot in the top two.”

Morn credited new recruits Chris Walker and John Henry for drastically improving the side’s performances.

“Chris and John have made a big difference, they bring a bit of class and skill that not many other players in this league have,” Morn said.

“They are great on the ball, work hard and create chances for the other players.”

Chris returned to the club after spending time in Newcastle while Henry had a spell in Bathurst while studying at University.

“The two learned a lot playing for prestigious clubs when they were away, they’ve brought a lot of knowledge back to the team and conduct themselves with a higher professionalism,” Morn said.

Morn acknowledged the run home to the finals starts on the road this Saturday when the side faces off with the Camden Haven Redbacks.

The Rangers made easy work of the Redbacks in a 3-0 victory in round one and Morn is confident of a similar result.

“Going off of the form we showed against Saints, we should win this game,” Morn said.

“But they seem to have improved since we first faced them, they earned a big win against Taree last week.”

The Rangers trail Wallis Lake by one-competition point on the ladder and have only lost one game this season.

Port United are in third position but trail the Rangers by five-competition points.

Wallis Lake host Port United in a battle between first and third this Saturday.

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