While many expected the North Queensland club to roll over against bigger rivals this season, Coenraad believes the Crocodiles have embraced their underdog tag instead.

"They are a young group, an exciting group and they are all just ready to play,” he said.

“They have that group that is pretty much like 'you know what, we are not expected to win anything so lets go out and play our hardest and try and stir the pot a little bit'.

"They have done that 100%."

Townsville sit seventh in the NBL, with a record of 4-9.

Yet they’ve already proved to be the thorn in the side of two of the league’s leading contenders.

The Crocodiles shocked the Wildcats in Perth in round three before beating them again in round five on their home floor.

They also handed Melbourne United a surprise 82-78 defeat in round seven away from home.

"I feel like if they can play that brand of basketball like they did in those two away wins against Perth and Melbourne then they are not an easy team to beat at all,” Coenraad said.

"They are going out there with nothing to lose, playing together and playing hard.

“That is exactly what you want from a young group.

"By no stretch of the imagination are they going to come in here and roll over.

"They are going to be ready to play."

Illawarra head into the match in winning form after handing bitter rivals Sydney Kings a 96-90 defeat on Wednesday night at home.

They’ll continue their home run this Saturday night.

"From here we just want to keep winning at home,” Coenraad said.

"I think it's really important for us to keep taking care of these ones and coming into Saturday.

"Townsville is playing some pretty good ball.

“I know they had a pretty ugly loss the other night but they’ve still beaten some big teams.

"We are going to have to come switched on."

With Cody Ellis, Tyson Demos and Rhys Martin still sidelined for the match, Coenraad fill in at the four spot.

He did so during Wednesday’s win over the Kings.

"I have played the four before but not for this system or this team so it was a bit of an experience,” Coenraad said.

"I got in foul trouble early trying to battle down low with the bigs. I guess I just have to be a bit smarter using my fouls and hopefully I can spend some more time out there.

"I feel like I can play a valuable part at the four if I can take care of rebounding and boxing out."

Illawarra lead the series between the pair after they beat the Crocs 96-88 in Townsville.

Tip-off at WIN Entertainment Centre is 7.30pm for the final round eight clash.