The Phoenix North Blues are currently sitting at the peak of the Premier League ladder while the Rams are running a distant third.

A win by the Rams would close the gap between them, Newcastle South and the Blues.

“It’s a big match,” coach Peter Lovell told the Mercury.

Last time the teams met the Blues had an easy 4-1 win after knocking away two goals in the dying minutes of the match.

That’s something the Rams want to avoid this time around.

“We were right in the game right up until the end,” Lovell said.

“We were down two goals early against Wests last week and we can’t afford to do that.

“We’re going to try a few different things this week and see how they go.”

Maitland will field a full team – complete with current NSW country representative Peter Urquhart – for the match against Phoenix North.

“Hopefully no-one is out,” Lovell said.

“We haven’t played with a full side much but I think this week we’ve pretty much got a full strength team.

“All our reserves are there to call on as well because second grade doesn’t play until later.

“There’s a few second graders pushing for first grade as well so there could be a lot to come out of the match.”

The Rams are also riding high after beating NSW Country 5-4 in a friendly match-up on Monday night.

“I think we got a little bit out of that game. I think the things we did there were positive so we should be able to carry on with that,” Lovell said.