Kempsey Saints have reached the second half of the season, but they will battle the Taree Wildcats for the first time this Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Their round one clash was postponed and it has been rescheduled for Saturday July 13.
Saints coach Kevin Sinclair admits the road trip to Taree hasn't been a successful one in the past but is optimistic his side has learned from past mistakes.
"It's always been a tough road trip and we have never had a lot of luck down there," Sinclair told the Argus.
"But after a few weeks off, hopefully we will be fresh and able to put together a solid performance and come away with a win."
The Saints haven't played since their round eight two-all draw with Wallis Lake on Saturday May 25. Kempsey had the bye in round nine and the competition had a week off for the June long weekend.
Sinclair said the side's focus was on maintaining a high intensity at training and ensuring the player's fitness levels stayed high.
"Training has been fairly normal but without having a game for the past two weeks the focus has been on fitness," Sinclair said.
"The break has been good for the health of the team as hopefully a few niggling injuries are behind us now."
Sinclair believes the majority of the squad will be available for selection with only Jarrod Witheridge on the injured list.
The utility injured his hamstring in the catch up game against Camden Haven but is hoping to be back on the field soon.
Sinclair is pleased with the side's position after the first half of the season, but admits the side will need to make the most of their leads.
"I am very happy we have only lost the one game," Sinclair said.
"But the four draws have hurt. We led in three of those games and we need to be better at defending the lead or adding to our lead to capitalise on our opportunities and convert the draws into victories.
"You accumulate more competition points for two wins and two losses than four draws."
Saints sit in equal fifth position with the Camden Haven Redbacks.
Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Macleay Argus newsletter here.
Also making the news: