It seems a simple mentality, but it’s one Western Rams coach Kurt Hancock says can lift his Andrew Johns Cup side during the under 16s country championship finals, starting at Dubbo on Saturday.

After topping the southern pool undefeated, the Rams take on the Northern Rivers at Apex Oval in their semi-final with a shot at the final on the offering for the victors.

Hancock has been thrilled with his side so far this campaign and the 2017 championship winning coach believes if the young Rams can continue to play for the teammate beside them Western will go a long way to defending the under 16s country championship they won last season.

“What we’ve tried to push to them is that you can’t do it by yourself,” Hancock said.

“They have to rely on each other … and it’s a real credit to all these guys from different backgrounds and parts of the region who have come together and really embraced that.

“It’s been the real key to our football side and how we’ve done things. I take my hat off to those kids for doing that.”

Forbes gun Jack Hartwig skippers the side while Red Bend duo Jack Smith and Tom Phillips provide Hancock with plenty of starch up front.

And, as Hancock says, there’s no real weakness in the team across the board.

“As far as this team goes they’re probably one of the most talented sides I have coached in this age group,” he said.

“We have so much depth all the way through, (numbers) 14 to 18 if they were in any other divisions they would be starting in that side, it just goes to show how much ability that we do have in that side. I’ve been blessed there.

“I just hope they go out, back themselves and have fun with it.” Western takes on Northern Rivers from 9.30am on Saturday.