But that was the tricky dilemma for Pickers coach Luke Dorn ahead of his side's big challenge against premiers South Newcastle at Maitland on Saturday.

Dorn was delighted with the effort of his side in last week's narrow 18-16 loss to Kurri - but was frustrated at his lack of polish in their game management.

"It's something we'll keep working on," he said. "We didn't execute the plan against Kurri and we paid the price for that.

"Our halves are better than they showed there.

"But it's difficult, especially for young players, in a game situation. I've played in the halves and know it. You're under pressure and you don't get a lot of time."

It was probably the one disappointing area in what was a spirited performance.

"We've built our season on effort," Dorn admitted.

"I know that we haven't put a full game together. There's a lot of talent in this team and we haven't scratched the surface yet.

"Having said that, over the 80 minutes Kurri were the better side and deserved the points.

"We showed in the last 15 minutes what we can do if we can control the game and get field position. But it all came too late and that's what we have to work on."

Certainly his forwards, led by Sam Anderson, Jayden Butterfield and Brenton Horwood were strong against Kurri.

And in the backs, former Canberra and Auckland Warriors centre Matt Allwood hits like a sledgehammer in defence.

His centre partner Geordie Connelly was one of Maitland's most dangerous in attack, along with Isaac Upton.

But a couple of bad reads in defence and a missed tackle was all it took for Kurri to pile on three tries.

And Souths will be every bit as dangerous.

They're young, fast and big - and they were only edged out 19-12 by pacesetters Wests last week who demolished Maitland 42-0 the previous week. It's a big ask.