Trevor Ott distinctly recalls the tight battles against Western Suburbs during his last reign as Maitland Pickers coach and four years on he doesn’t suspect much has changed.
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Ott successfully led the Pickers to a Newcastle Rugby League minor-major premiership in 2011, narrowly defeating the Rosellas three times along the way including a thrilling golden point grand final.
However, Wests have won each decider since that day and the three-time reigning champions arrive at Maitland Sportsground on Saturday in second spot on the competition having only dropped the one match this year against an undefeated Lakes outfit last week.
“It’s always a big game,” Ott said.
“I remember some of those battles [in 2011], only two-point- and one-point victories, and I don’t expect it to be any different now.
“They are the benchmark and have been for years even though they got beat by Lakes last week.
“There is a reason they have won three comps in a row.”
The likes of Billy Towers and PJ Ellis were there for those back-to-back premierships but they are now joined by a younger brigade of players.
Ott said it would be up to those experienced campaigners, as well as the likes of New Zealand halves pairing Steve Waetford and Zebastian Luisi, to steer the fresh faces of Matt Soper-Lawler, Kad Hardy and Lincoln Smith around the park.
“It will be a good test for some of these young guys because they will be up against some of the best footballers in the comp,” he said.
“We have a younger side with a little bit of experience littered through there so it will be up to those older guys to show a bit of leadership out there.”
Ott said he has been impressed with the lead up and was looking forward to his first game since taking over the reigns from Noel Dent after last week’s rescheduled fixture against South Newcastle was washed out.
“We’ve had three good training sessions since I’ve come in and the attitude from the players has been great,” Ott said.
“I don’t really think I need to change too much because they have been throwing the footy around well, we just need to improve on our defence a bit.”
Over at St John Oval on Sunday the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs will be up against Central Newcastle after beating the Pickers 40-24 last start.
In other sixth round encounters Chris Adams will be up against his old teammates when Lakes travel to Cessnock on Sunday.
South Newcastle are at home to Macquarie at Townson Oval on Saturday.
All matches kick-off at 3pm.
MAITLAND PICKERS: 1 Matt Soper-Lawler 2 Kade Hardy 3 Ryan Lacy 4 Lincoln Smith 5 Josh Morrison 6 Steve Waetford 7 Zebastian Luisi 8 Pat Robards 9 Jarrod Smith 10 Damien Frize 11 Billy Towers 12 Jayden Rosberg 13 PJ Ellis 14 Luke Clydesdale 15 Dion Briggs 16 Howie Grant 17 Tylar Carter
KURRI KURRI BULLDOGS: 1 Bradley Manton 2 Kyle Smith 3 Scott Dunn 4 Simon Craig 5 Damien Walters 6 Ryan Walker 7 Hayden Granger 8 Peter Cronin 9 Terence Seu Seu 10 Brock Gilmour 11 Ben Wyborn 12 Daniel Abraham 13 Mitch Cullen 14 Jay Stevens 15 Brock Hamer 16 Mick Campton 17 Tom McKenzie
