Maitland have to win at least two, if not all three, of their remaining ­matches if they are to have any chance of making the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union play-offs.

The battle for the fifth and final spot on the competition ladder has come down to three – Maitland (28), Southern Beaches (31) and University (35).

The Blacks start with Nelson Bay at Bill Strong Oval on Saturday, followed by third-placed The Waratahs at home the next week and finish with Southern Beaches at Marcellin Park a fortnight later on August 22.

Blacks coach Todd Bowd said it would be important for Maitland to keep possession and defend as a unit coming off a 61-7 loss to title holders Wanderers.

“We have to control the football and defend in a straight line,” he said.

“They play deep and wide for a few blokes and pick off single defenders.”

Nathan Mahony comes into the second-row for the injured James Johnston (shoulder). 

Kick-off is 3pm. 

1 James Curran 

2 Dan Runchel

3 Jackson Paul

4 Shaun Connolly

5 Nathan Mahony

6 Nick Davidson

7 Alistair Fraser

8 Sean O’Connor (c)

9 Luke Cunningham 

10 Joe Lavis

11 Rob Williamson

12 Jye Estatheo

13 Josh Gray

14 Kees Beentjees

15 Josh McCormack