The Macleay Valley Mustangs coach Russell Lardner has urged his side to take the next step ahead of their clash with the Forster-Tuncurry Hawks at Verge St Oval this Sunday.
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While Lardner admits he doesn't want his side looking at the bigger picture and wants to take each game as it comes, he also wants them to begin to fulfil their full potential as the finals series approaches.
"I know we haven't played our best yet and I want to see us continue to improve each week," Lardner said.
"We have a couple of big games coming up and we are closing in on the semi-finals and it's important to start firing."
The Mustangs are on the top of the Group Three Rugby League ladder but Lardner knows they can't afford to take any team in the competition "cheaply".
"We are in first place so that means we have a target on our backs every time we play," Lardner said.
"We know everyone wants to knock us off so we have to focus on going out there and putting in every week.
"We can't afford to take anyone cheaply otherwise we will lose our spot on the top."
Lardner is hoping the Mustangs approach this Sunday's contest with the right attitude and he pinpointed the Hawks' forward pack as a real threat.
"They have a big forward pack and just keep coming all day," he said.
"It will be important to bring intensity and effort early on. We need to come out firing and gun blazing. Slow them down around the ruck and prevent them from getting a roll on."
The Mustangs defeated the Hawks 32-16 on the road earlier this season.
Macleay Valley have a five-game win streak and registered victories in their last two games without suspended fullback Owen Blair.
Jeremy Taylor has stepped in to replace Blair at the back and Lardner has praised the performances of the utility.
"Jeremy is a special talent. He can play anywhere on the field," Lardner said.
"He has done a great job for us as it's a very hard task to replace Owen. But Jeremy has been very good and I will find a place for him in the side even after Owen returns."
Owen will be eligible to return in round 12, when the Mustangs host the Port City Breakers.
There are five rounds remaining in the regular season and the Mustangs have a two competition point lead on the Wingham Tigers, who they face on the road next Saturday.
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