The Pickers first grade team had been scheduled to play The Entrance on Saturday but because of the Covid lockdown on the Central Coast the game is unable to go ahead and will be treated as a Covid-draw with both teams receiving one point.

Fortuitously, Maitland's reserve grade team has a scheduled bye so it will enable the club to run a trial game on Saturday to maintain some sort of match fitness for both teams in the lead in to finals campaigns.

Maitland coach Matt Lantry said last week's Covid cancellation of the Lakes United game had worked in the Pickers' favour as players had been able to enjoy a weekend off after playing a catch up game on the representative weekend when most teams had got a rest.

However, he said while a second Covid-draw against The Entrance was not ideal, it was beyond their control and they just had to make the best of the situation.

"It's not ideal but we're not the only one in the competition who have to do it," Lantry said.

"We have our usual Tuesday and Thursday training and on Saturday morning we are having an opposed session against reserve grade.

"It's always hard to replicate an actual game but it is the closest thing you can get to it."

The Pickers sights and preparations are set for the July 24 home game against Central, which will be followed by top five opponents Macquarie away and Western Suburbs at home to finish off the regular season.

"We need to hit the ground hard when we come back with three weeks of the competition left before finals," Lantry said.

"It will be three very tough games for us, Central at home, Macquarie away and Wests at home - all teams in the top five.

"That's the same for our reserve grade as well. They are still shooting for a top three spot as well."

The Pickers are expected to welcome back injured forward Brenton Horwood for the Central clash and are hopeful that centre Tom Hughes will be available for the following week's game against the Scorpions.

Based in Sydney, Hughes' return could be complicated by the Covid lockdown.

"Brenton Horwood should be right for Central. Coming back from a rib fracture, the two games have certainly helped. I'm sure he will be back ready and right to go by then," Lantry said.

"Injury management wise Tom should be right for Macquarie. Unfortunately, his availability is also governed by the lockdown.

"We had hoped to finalise his move to Maitland but were caught out by the lockdown."