Plagued by inconsistency this season, Shoalies have struck form with four wins in their past five outings to hold down third spot.

Uni were pushing for the top three just over a month ago, but four straight losses have them fighting for a finals spot.

The Mallee Bulls almost ended the rot in last weekend's 34-32 loss to Tech Waratahs.

Shoalhaven coach Paul Mulready believes his side will be facing a desperate Bulls outfit.

"They're playing for their season and we're expecting a hard game," he said.

"I'm sure they'll come at us and play their usual upbeat game.

"Uni are an 80-minute side and won't lie down. We'll have to confront them and be very direct when we've got the football and impose our will on them.

"It's a big week for Uni with a midweek game against Shamrocks coming up. They can put themselves back in the mix within the space of a week."

Uni thrashed Shoalies at Nowra in the previous meeting but the reigning champs were suffering a premiership hangover and have since rediscovered their hunger.

"We were pretty embarrassed when Uni towelled us up on our home ground. It was one of the worst losses we'd had," Mulready said.

"We're travelling better than we were but we're certainly not out of the woods yet. We were good against Avondale a couple of weeks ago and a little down last week against Kiama.

"We're gradually getting key players back from injury and it's a matter of good preparation and doing those little things right to get that week-to-week consistency."

Meantime, Tech Waratahs will capture the minor premiership if they knock off last-placed Vikings at Saunders Oval.

The Tahs are in first place and wrap up the season with next week's away game against Shoalhaven.

With second-placed Avondale receiving no points for today's bye, a win over the Blueys would give Tech Waratahs an unassailable lead heading into the final round.

Shamrocks will be determined to keep their finals charge on course in their road clash with Camden.

The Rocks haven't lost since going down to Engadine on May 23 and sit just outside the top five, with next week's deferred game against Uni up their sleeve.

In the other game, improvers Kiama could pose problems for fourth-placed Engadine at Kiama Showground.