Maitland Blacks co-coach Ryan McCormack believes Saturday's crucial clash against Wanderers will be decided in the forwards.
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“It’s going to be a test of the forwards this weekend. Man on man in the backline we feel that given some good ball we have the strike power to score tries,” McCormack said.
“If our forwards get some dominance and good front-foot ball then the result will take care of itself.
“There’s no doubt about it, it’s going to be a tough contest as they are strong all over the park and they’re really disciplined in their game plan.
“It’s a massive game for us, it’s an opportunity for us to move up to fourth and depending on other results get a little bit clear of the bottom half of the ladder.
“Probably the most crucial game of the season so far leading into a crunch games against Hamilton, Southern Beaches, the week off and then Merewether.
“The next five weeks are crucial to our season and crucial to our development as well. We can’t be putting in any bad performances.”
McCormack said Frank Uini would come into the starting line-up playing up front in the tight five.
“Travis (Brooke) moves back to No.8 so he will be able to play a little bit looser and similar to the way he played last year,” he said.
“John Birrell looks like he will make a return this week but we won’t rush him back.
“As much as we want to win this week, we will not be carrying players who are 80 per cent, you need to be 100 per cent fit facing Wanderers at No.2.
“They have a new coach and a new lease of life and are playing some very good footy. If we go in with players who are under-done it will be exposed.”
The cautious approach will apply to co-captain Chris Logan who is carrying an ankle injury from last weekend’s Country representative clash.
“He will need to be 100 per cent fit to play because I don’t want to risk him in June and potentially lose him in September,” McCormack said.
“We’ve got some able bodied replacements if Chris doesn’t play.”
Those include McCormack’s brother Josh who has made a big impact playing either in the centres or at fullback
“Josh has been very good for us, he brings enthusiasm, he is a very good communicator on the field,” McCormack said.
“To be able to have our country fullback out and to be able to replace him with a player of similar ability is pretty good for us.”
Ben Wood also returns from country representative duties.
Maitland will wear black arm bands in respect for former premiership player and NSW Country representative Nathan Friis who died after a long battle with cancer.