After conceding 82 points in their past two matches returning coach Trevor Ott says defence will be key for Maitland Pickers, wherever or whenever they play South Newcastle this weekend.
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The rescheduled Newcastle Rugby League fixture was due to be played at Townson Oval on Sunday but more recent wet weather has put the Lions’ home ground in doubt.
Officials from both clubs were in discussions on Thursday about transferring the game to Maitland Sportsground and then playing the July 18 return match between the same sides at Townson Oval.
If the encounter didn’t go ahead this weekend it would be postponed until later in the season.
Ott, the 2011 premiership winner who took over at Maitland after Noel Dent resigned late last week, was keen for the game to go ahead after working hard on defence with his new squad at training.
“We would much rather get a game of football in, especially after a couple of physical sessions,” Ott said.
“Defence has been the theme of this week and all the boys have ripped in.
“But we need to tidy up around the ruck because that is where we got caught against Kurri and Lakes.”
The Pickers have lost to Kurri Kurri (40-24) and Lakes (42-20) in their past two outings after sharing the points with Cessnock (32-all) and opening with a last minute victory against Central (22-20).
Helping to get Maitland back in the winners’ circle will be five-eighth Zebastian Luisi, utility forward Billy Towers, centre Tyme Dow-Nikau and hooker Jarrod Smith .
“Those guys coming back in certainly add a lot of depth to the squad,” Ott said.
Maitland skipper Steve Waetford has shifted to halfback at the expense of Tyler Perrin.
1 Matt Soper-lawler; 2 Josh Morisson; 3 Ryan Lacy; 4 Tyme Dow-Niaku; 5 Kade Hardy; 6 Steve Waetford (c); 7 Zeabstian Luisi; 8 Pat Robards; 9 Jarrod Smith; 10 Damien Frize; 11 PJ Ellis; 12 Billy Towers; 13 Jayden Rosberg; 14 Luke Clydesdale; 15 Dion Briggs; 16 Lincoln Smith; 17 Tylar Cater; 18 Taamo Charlie; 19 Tyler Perrin
The Kurri Kurri Bulldogs will be without Ryan Walker, Peter Cronin (weddings) and Jay Stevens (dental work) for their clash against Macquarie at Peacock Field on Saturday.
Mitch Cullen and Hayden Grainger are expected to line up in the halves with Kyle Smith and Damien Walters retaining their positions in the backline.
Josh Papworth may come into the second row.
Around the grounds and Cessnock host Central Newcastle on Saturday and undefeated competition leaders Lakes United meet three-time defending champions Western Suburbs on Sunday.
All matches kick off at 3pm.