Despite a 29-19 loss to the Jindabyne Bushpigs that saw the Boars drop to fourth on the ladder, it's the closest result the Boars have had up the mountain in recent memory.

The Boars managed to hang with the home side in the first half in freezing conditions, but a surge just after half-time gave the Bushpigs the momentum they needed to win the game.

Boars' coach Matt Ryan said he was happy with his side's mindset despite the loss.

"We went there to win, and we went with reasonable numbers this time," he said. "We've traditionally travelled pretty poorly down there, but we had good numbers this week.

"We were right in it at half time. We showed patches of dominance, but they lifted after half time and we weren't able to reel them in.

"The biggest thing for me was our attitude. It was terrible weather, conditions a lot of our guys haven't played in before.

"It could have easily blown out on us, it has in the past, but we showed we're not that team anymore."

Ryan said there were positives to take out of the loss.

"When we did control the ball, we showed how dominant we can be," he said. "There was one period of play where we started inside our own five-metre line, and controlled the ball all the way up the field to score.

"We did the same thing again off the kickoff. A lot of teams can't match it with us individually, but we need to work on being on the same page."

However, Ryan admitted the team needs to improve if they are to challenge for a premiership this season.

"We need to be a bit clearer in what we're trying to do," he said. "We're at a point where the players know where they need to be, and know what structure they need to play, but they're not putting authority on it.

"We've got a few guys playing out of position, so if we can get those guys back to their regular spots, our consistency will improve.

"If we can manage our injuries through the next couple of weeks, we'll get a fully fit squad to play a style of rugby we believe will get us far in this comp."