The Goannas have not been in action since a 43-16 loss to Maitland on June 19 with the representative weekend break followed by Covid-draws to Lakes and Wyong.

"We've tried to introduce as much match simulation as we can into the training, but in the end it's like cricket and batting in the nets; there's no substitute for being out in the middle," Edwards said.

"It's my opinion but I believe the competition has been severely compromised by the introduction of these Covid draws instead of just putting the entire competition on hold.

"In our case we've missed two games where we would have been confident of collecting four points and only received two.

"Then after being out of action for four weeks we come up against the team second on the ladder who are coming off a loss against Wests who have played right through.

"I'm sure Central would have struggled coming back after a three-week break, we're going to be in the same situation on Saturday."

Edwards said the third-placed Goannas would be as ready for action as possible and would no doubt dig deep at home to get the two points.

"It really is an important game for us, because of the compromised fixtures we are under real pressure to maintain our spot in the top three," he said.

"If we drop too many games either Macquarie Scorpions or Wests can displace us. We are playing for a double chance or possibly even missing out on the finals."

Edwards said he believed the competition would be further compromised with Lakes United seeking to play in first grade again after a number of their players from the Central Coast had undergone 14 days in isolation in the Newcastle area.

"It's a bit rough on us and the Pickers who both missed games because Lakes couldn't field a first grade side," he said.

"The teams who now play Lakes can collect two points if they win while we could only collect one and had our place on the ladder compromised by other teams playing through."

Edwards cited the example of Wests which had played right through and played against Central after the Butcher Boys were compromised by an extended break.

In other games this weekend, Wests play South Newcastle and the game between Lakes and the Scorpions is likely to go ahead as well.

Maitland and Kurri Kurri are both on the sidelines with Covid draws against The Entrance and Wyong respectively.