The Maitland Pickers have challenged themselves to lift their defence around the ruck if they are to convert the President's Cup minor premiership into the major prize.
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The Pickers smashed the North Sydney Bears 46-16 on the scoreboard last Saturday to remain unbeaten and claim the minor premiership but felt they were bettered by the bigger-bodied Bears in the middle third.
Maitland travels to Sydney on Sunday to take on top-three opponent Glebe and faces another big pack before the finals series kicks off on Saturday, September 19.
Glebe and North Sydney will meet on one side of the semi-final draw and the Pickers are most likely to tackle Hills Bulls in the other semi at the Maitland Sportsground.
"Realistically this weekend doesn't mean a lot in relation to the top four, but it is an opportunity for us to tidy up particularly our ruck defence," Maitland coach Matt Lantry said.
"The way things are looking obviously North Sydney and Glebe are going to finish second and third and play each other next week. I think with the way the draw pans out and Hills beat Dubbo as expected then we play Hills in week one of the finals.
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"All three opposition packs whether its Glebe, Hills or North Sydney they have one common theme and that is big bodies through the middle third.
"We're not an overly big side and I thought North Sydney were better with their ground work both offensively and defensively at the ruck than what we were on the weekend and our boys agreed.
"In tight contests you just can't afford to give up cheap field position through opposition teams just rolling through the middle.
"We certainly want to be a lot better there this week and we've spoke to a few individuals about their efforts defensively and I'm looking forward to seeing an improved performance."
Utility back William Nieuwenhuise (knee) remains in doubt and was to undergo scans on Thursday.
Matt Soper-Lawler (quad) may also be rested again while Jarred Anderson (abductor) looks likely to return.
Marvin Filipo and Jayden Butterfield escaped charges after both were put on report.
