Both teams have faced short turn arounds from their round one RealNRL clashes having to back up tonight from physical games on Saturday.

Maitland was 30-16 winners over Cessnock, while the Bulldogs lost their grand final replay against Western Suburbs 26-12 in the opening round.

And Seu Seu, who was classy in his debut for the Pickers at halfback, said his team would need to be strong in the mind to make in two wins from as many Coalfields derbies.

“I think the mental side of things is something we have to focus on,” he said.

“It’s a short turn around and we had a very tough game out at Cessnock and [the Bulldogs] had a tough game with Wests.

“A lot of blokes would have had sore bodies on Monday and it’s going to be a test.”

A Kurri Kurri junior, Seu Seu said tonight was a good chance for Maitland to cement a strong start to the season.

“It was a really good win for us (against Cessnock) and not many teams will go there and get two points,” he said.

“We need to build on that momentum because Phil (Kurri coach Phil Williams) will be ready for us.”

Maitland captain-coach PJ Ellis only managed 15 minutes against Cessnock before succumbing to a calf strain.

The skipper has been named to start at hooker in an unchanged lineup and Seu Seu believes Ellis will give himself right up until kick-off.

“PJ is a very respected player in the comp and in the game,” he said.

“If he wants to play we’ll be happy to have him, I’m sure he’ll give himself as long as possible to be right but if he doesn’t come up the boys will cover for him.”

The game will be broadcast live on the Mercury website, courtesy of BLive Streaming. Kick off is at 8.15pm.