The battle between Maitland and Kurri Kurri for the final spot in the Blues Tag top five goes down to the wire on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Both teams go into the final round with 18 points, but Maitland hold onto fifth spot courtesy of 32 point better points differential than the Bulldogs.
Maitland are at home against Lakes United, who hold fourth spot on the ladder, and can virtually book their spot in the top five with a win.
Lakes beat the Pickers 14-4 in their other meeting this year, but the Pickers are in good form coming off a 96-0 win over Macqaurie Scorpions.
Kurri are on the road against seventh-placed Nelson Bay, who had a 22-0 win in their game this season.
If the Bulldogs play to their potential they should have a win with their form this season including draws with top two sides Central Newcastle and South Newcastle and a win against third-placed Western Suburbs.
In their two match-ups this season Kurri won 2-0 at home and the Pickers won 14-4 at Maitland.
Cessnock came agonisingly close to securing their third win of the season going down 10-14 at home on Saturday against Nelson Bay.
The Goannas will be hoping to finish the season strongly when they travel to take on South Newcastle at Townson Oval on Saturday.