Avondale, last year's Illawarra Rugby Union runners-up, have been stung by the injury curse in the countdown to today's qualifying semi-final against premiers Shoalhaven at Kiama Showground.
The Wombats could be without five key players for the grand final rematch, leaving coach Henare Leach unable to finalise his starting side.
Among the walking wounded for Avondale are Chris Jack, Paul Tausala, Ryan Lonsdale and the Patrick brothers, James and Trevor.
"We thought things were getting better but we're going to struggle with so many guys in doubt," Leach said.
"Some of them haven't trained all week, so we've brought up people from second grade because we're not going to carry any wounded blokes. Some of the injured guys say they'll be right and they might come off the bench, but the young guys we've brought up are as keen as mustard."
Avondale boast the competition's biggest forward pack and a host of skilful backs.
Despite finishing second, Leach felt the Wombats essentially underachieved.
"It's been an up and down season and a frustrating season ... a season we weren't very happy with," he said.
"I don't want it to seem like we're cocky, but we kind of knew we were going to be here. We're lacking in the mental game and it makes me a bit nervous as a coach. We've got a talented side but we haven't been sticking it together on a consistent basis.
"Shoalhaven play a simple game and some of our older guys have never beaten Shoalhaven. Hopefully we've done enough homework to get by, but that's why it's lucky we've got that life (for finishing second) if we do lose."
Meantime, first-grade debutants Engadine are relishing the prospect of ending Shamrocks' unbeaten streak in tomorrow's fourth-against-fifth elimination showdown at Nowra.
The Rocks stormed into the finals series as the competition's hottest team, with their last loss coming on May 23.
But the Lions were the last team to beat Shammies and coach Dion Miller believes his side can repeat the dose.
"Our guys really want to get into Shamrocks. They're going in determined to win and they're not going to lay down," Miller said.
"The injuries are gone, everyone's back to normal and our impact players are tuned in. We're defending hard and scoring good tries.
"I'm very proud of where we finished in our first season in first grade and everything now is a bonus.
"The guys have indicated they want to go all the way and they're going to give it their best shot. They really believe they've got a lot more rugby left in them and they definitely don't want it to end now.
"Shamrocks showed us up here when they drew with us how much they've improved over the season.
"The boys are really looking forward to it and it should be an open, expansive game."
Email a friend