Skipper's blast highlights Pickers' high standards

But Pickers skipper Alex Langbridge clearly felt he had a point to make. It wasn't a time for niceties.

Maitland were leading 30-nil against Wests Illawarra early in the second half at Maitland Sportsground last weekend when the visitors made a break down the narrow side.

Maitland scrambled to shut down the threat and despite having the game in the bag, Langbridge wasn't happy. He let rip at his teammates, both barrels.

"It's not the sort of thing you'd repeat but the message was clear, that's for sure," coach Matt Lantry said. "Basically he said 'not good enough' and to get it sorted. Just not in those words."

It shows the standards Maitland are setting themselves in this Presidents Cup campaign, which currently stands at six wins from as many matches.

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With a for-and-against of plus-162 - miles ahead of the next best team - they've been red hot, but it's their defensive record that really sticks out.

After conceding 24 points in the opening match - a 32-24 win against Wentworthville - the Pickers have conceded just 32 in five games since. And if you think that's good, in three home matches they've conceded four points. Yes, four.

Without a doubt the 48-0 demolition of semi final contenders Wests Illawarra last weekend was their best performance to date.

"It was the closest we've gone to a full 80-minute performance," Lantry conceded.

"It's funny, on the Thursday night at training the guys had been a bit sloppy, so I called a halt and told them it wasn't good enough, especially against a strong side like Wests Illawarra. After that they were really sharp, the best they'd looked all year.

"They carried that onto the field. We wanted to get off to a strong start in the match and that's just what they did."

There's no doubt that Maitland have continued to improve as the season has progressed.

The Pickers were cock-a-hoop after their opening win against Wentworthville, but that has since been put in perspective - it should also be noted that Wenty have won just one match and had six losses.

"We've improved for sure, nothing ridiculous, but every week we've been that bit better across the board. And when we've had injuries, we've had players come up and do their job.

"We've shown we're prepared to make changes. I think James Bradley scoring five tries on the weekend is an example of that. At the start of the season I don't think too many people outside of Singleton would have heard of him.

"That's the most pleasing thing about it. Everyone is doing their job, even the young guys."

While Wests Illawarra didn't carry the threat Maitland expected, all eyes are now on second placed Norths this weekend, clearly their biggest test so far. They're a strong squad and tactically astute, coached by former NRL player and coach Jason Taylor

"They've got some really good players," Lantry admitted. "Tactically they'll be switched on and will have highlighted some areas in our game they'll try to exploit.

"I'd say they're the biggest threat, maybe just ahead of Glebe. Hills are good too but they've had some injuries."

Maitland second rower Pat Mata'utia who played his first game of the season last weekend but only lasted 15 minutes before leaving the field from a head knock, is only rated 50-50.

"His work situation has changed and it's great to have him back, but obviously we don't want to risk him," Lantry said.

"He's carrying a bit of condition but he's not too bad, and it won't take him long to lose it.

"We'll look to increase his minutes each week. It's not quantity we're after from Pat, it's quality."