Golden chance for Maitland Blacks to move into rugby top four

The Blacks are at home against struggling University on Saturday, but importantly some of the other top sides on a congested ladder are playing each other.

The Blacks currently sit fifth on 19 points, behind unbeaten Merewether Carlton on 29, Wanderers and Southern Beaches on 21 and Nelson Bay on 20. Premiers Hamilton are on 18.

So, while fifth place doesn't sound much, they're just two points off second.

And while Maitland would fancy their chances of picking up the win against a University side that has had just the one win so far, Wanderers and Southern Beaches lock horns, while Nelson Bay take on Merewether.

"It's certainly an opportunity for us to climb into the top four," club president Pat Howard said.

"But Uni are traditionally a sticky team for us. Having said that, they're in a transition phase and have a very young team right now."

The Blacks are coming off a hard-fought 31-28 loss to Merewether last weekend - a performance that deserved more.

"We're close," Howard said. "That was our second loss by that score this season to a top side. And we had a couple of players out.

"We ran into a strong breeze and were down 24-7 at half time, then we conceded an early try in the second half which made it extremely difficult.

"But from that point on we were all over them and probably only needed another minute or two."

Young local junior Jock Barry continues to be a powerhouse in the front row, while his partner Willie Soe is getting better each week with more playing time under his belt.

"Willie is getting plenty of minutes and is going to keep getting better as the season goes on," Howard said.

This weekend at Marcellin is sponsors day and also Josie Dunn Cup Day.