That came to the fore in their second game against Narrabri on Saturday with the Red Devils scoring twice in the last minute-and-a-half to snatch a dramatic 22-19 win and make it two from two after accounting for the Blue Boars 29-7 in the first game.

Torika Nadruka got them within a conversion after some good build-up play, before captain Sarah Stewart came up with a crucial steal at the breakdown and sent Issy Hunt away.

“It was a great game,” Hickey said.

“My guys kept fighting and found something under pressure, which was exceptional.”

It was testament to what he described as a “gradual maturity”. 

“They’re learning to fight for each other and generally get into the fight of the game,” he said.

It was also a sign of how far they have come.

After only picking up their first win three weeks ago, the Red Devils have now collected six to sit in fourth. 

“When we started we were getting beaten by 30-40 points a game,” Hickey said.

“Every individual made a commitment to just improve their game.”

He has been delighted with their progression but knows a big challenge awaits them in Inverell on Saturday.

The Red Devils prevailed when they last met but the Highlanders were a depleted outfit with six of their best players away with the UNE Lions.

Hickey expects them to be full strength on Saturday.

“They’re an awesome side,” he said.

“They’re basically a rep side.

“It will be our biggest test.”

He said the hardest thing on Saturday was determining their best players.

“That last game every person had to make a contribution to save the game,” he said.

The Red Devils men also tackle Inverell after the Jason Waerea-coached side dropped to sixth after Saturday’s loss to Narrabri.