The Thunder are no strangers to slow starts and fast finishes to seasons making the semi-finals for the past two season on the back of strong second-half showings.

They start the new year against fellow 2019-20 strugglers Kurri Weston, the side which denied them a spot in last season's grand final.

"There's no issues internally, we've essentially still got the same core group of guys who are still busting their backsides really," Willis said of the team which was tipped to be the biggest challenge to back-to-back titles for City United.

"We just haven't quite put our best foot forward in the first half of the season, but that's pretty typical of us.

"In the last couple of years we stuttered a bit before Christmas and really came home with a wet sail.

"With a bit of luck that can happen again."

Thornton's sole win this season came against Kurri Weston in round two, but they had to settle for a draw against bottom team Tenambit Morpeth when round six was abandoned because of smoke.

They then hit a Trent-Park inspired Easts in the round seven, making 325 in reply to Easts 5/420 which included Park's 199 not out.

"It's been a good comp over the past few season. City have been pretty consistent up top but in terms of the comp there's been no out and out super team," Willis said.

"Everyone on their day can beat anyone and that's the sign of a pretty even comp.

"A few results and a few different circumstances have probably kept the competition close on points.

"Everyone is probably still in touch

"We've got a lot of work to do obviously in the second half but I think if any side can do it we can, we've done it before."

There have been signs that Thornton are close to returning to their best form with Jamie Krake second and Matthew Gabriel fourth on the competition batting aggregates and averages. Both have scored centuries this season.

Willis will captain and Krake will be a key member of the Maitland Magic team in the Newcastle Summer Bash.

"Krakey has been going really well but I've have a pretty lean season so I'm hoping the Twenty20 me going in that second half of the year.

"The centuries to Krakey and Matt are a good sign going forward as converting good starts to centuries has been a problem for us over the past few years.

"It's really positive that those couple of guys have been able to push on and make a big score rather than just getting a good looking, 30, 40 or 50.

"Hopefully a few more of us can follow suit."

In other games top of the table Western Suburbs host fifth placed Western Suburbs, second-placed City United are at home to Tenambit Morpeth.

In the final match Eastern Suburbs, third, travel to take on Raymond Terrace, fourth.