The Illawarra Cutters meet the Mt Pritchard Mounties at Aubrey Keech Reserve, Hinchinbrook on Saturday.
This is the first meeting between the two sides this season, so both teams will be aiming to assert their dominance in this fixture.
Both teams had a disappointing weekend last round, as Illawarra lost to the Penrith Panthers while Mounties suffered a defeat at the hands of the Wyong Roos.
Newly appointed Head Coach Scott Logan admits while he was proud of his team’s efforts in the loss, he conceded that his players lacked the killer punch to close out the encounter.
“I am pretty proud of the boys and how they stayed in the game when we only had two boys left on the bench,” said Logan.
“We had a simple game plan and executed well but what it came down to it we needed some people in key positions to grab the game by the scruff of the neck when we had a chance to get back in the game.
Illawarra will be looking to bounce back this weekend in Logan’s second game in charge of the side.
For the Cutters, Peter Mata’utia returns and Kyle Eather makes the switch to fullback this week after playing halfback against the Panthers.
“We’re counting on some local players to step up and that’s’ a good thing cause they get some experience alongside the more experienced first-grade players,” said Logan.
The home side is full of quality with experienced fullback Reece Robinson named alongside Bill Tupou and former Cutter, Ryan Carr.
Mounties head into the game ahead of the Cutters by one point and one place on the ladder.
A win and results going their way could see Illawarra move into the top four heading into the back-end of the season.
