METAIRIE, La. — The NOLA Gold (3-1) are off to their best start since 2019 with their lone defeat coming in a 27-21 loss to the defending Major League Rugby champions in New England in Week 3.
It's a major step forward for a franchise that has yet to make the playoffs in the league's seven-year history.
With the Gold coming off a bye week, first-year NOLA head coach Cory Brown says the team is focused, refreshed and ready to get the season back underway.
"The bye week came at a good time for us," Brown told WWL Louisiana after practice on Thursday. "We had quite a few injuries after the Dallas game, so hopefully the boys are refreshed and ready to go against the good Chicago side."
Brown believes the team's sole loss played a role in continuing to shape the team's mindset – a mindset that is laser-focused on earning a post-season berth.
"I think the key thing we learned from it," said Brown. "It was a game that we probably could have won and maybe should have won, but just the learning of getting our mindset right and our attitude right is massive for this side."
NOLA is currently tied for first place with New England (3-1) in the East with conference rival Chicago rolling into Week 6. According to Brown, the Gold possesses game-winning confidence each time they take the pitch.
"100 percent," said Brown. "We've got some good leaders and players from lots of different countries. They’ve combined really well. Just got the second part of the season to go. So, hopefully, we put in a good performance against Chicago on the weekend.”
The Gold are 2-0 at home after a pair of wins to start the season.
First-year NOLA outside back Ed Fidow says defending the "Gold Mine on Airline" is a job the team takes very seriously.
“We actually treat it like it's our home," explained the native Samoan, who lives in Australia during the offseason. "You don't want anyone to come into your house and, you know, take what you have. So, we're not taking any loss at home.”
The Gold hosts fellow conference foe, the Chicago Hounds (1-3-1) on Saturday.
Proceeds from tickets go to support Children's Hospital New Orleans.
Game time is scheduled for 3 p.m.
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