Illawarra were initially set to host arch-rivals Newcastle at Collegian Sports Centre three weeks ago before the match was rained out.

Forrester hasn’t been forced into many changes to the side that convincingly beat Central Coast in the semi-final and has added in-form Wests centre Junior Vaivai.

But his spine of Country incumbents Joel Johnson, Jarrod Boyle, Wayne Bremner and Thirroul veteran Ty McCarthy that remain the ace up his sleeve.

“Nothing will change from what we’ve done in the past,” Forrester said.

“I think a couple of players have got over some niggling injuries and the momentum part of it is just football. 

“There’s a few [lineup] changes, Stewart Mills comes into the back row and Junior Vaivai comes in at left centre but things won’t change too much.

“The spine is the same, the back three’s the same a lot of the guys have played together at club sides as well so there’ll be no excuses come Saturday that’s for sure

“I don’t think the travel will affect either side at the end of the day it’s still an opportunity to win a Country Championship.

“Newcastle are a really big physical strong side so we’re under no illusions as to the effort we’ll need to put in to win. 

“Everyone always wants to knock off the champions and we’ve been the champions that last three years so they’ll definitely be coming out to try an put one over us.”