Collegians coach Gavin Clinch is expecting a marked improvement from his players when the reigning Illawarra Carlton League premiers takes on unbeaten Corrimal at WIN Stadium today.
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Collies produced an indifferent performance against Wests at Parrish Park last Sunday, going down 36-20 in a game where the Red Devils led all the way.
Clinch refused to use the unavailablity of co-captain Robbie Payne, Chris Barnes, John Hooker, Ryan Smith, Greg Robson and Richard Penisini as an excuse.
Five of those players remain sidelined for today's split-round match, with only Hooker back.
Clinch expects at least three or four players including Payne and Smith to be back after the split round is completed next weekend.
But Collies cannot afford to look too far ahead as they have the in-form Cougars to contend with today.
"They're undefeated and playing some really good football," Clinch said.
"They've been flying under the radar a little bit, they've beaten Berkeley, the (Wollongong/University) Bulls and Dapto so we're expecting a very tough one."
Corrimal coach Murray Whitehead said the Cougars will be without Adam Kerr, Scott Ryan, Josh Starling, Tim Westblade and Caleb Reedy while Don Tweddle is in doubt.
"Our team has been going really good but this will be a huge challenge," Whitehead said.
"Having said that we're confident of winning."
Whitehead said the Cougars had been boosted with the return this season of captain Pete Tweddle and also the experience gained by the younger players in the finals series last year.
Oscar Danielsen, who led Corrimal to its last premiership in 1975, is in Wollongong Hospital and the Cougars - and the rugby league fraternity - wish him a speedy recovery.
If Collies are inconsistent, their 2007 grand final rivals, Dapto, are winless after three rounds.
So the Canaries' game against Wollongong/Uni at Dapto Showground today is crucial for both sides as the Bulls also are desperate for a win, having just one competition point from a 22-all draw with Helensburgh in round two.
This split round will be completed next weekend when Wests host Thirroul at Parrish Park and Berkeley play Helensburgh at Berkeley Sports Ground.
Points table: Thirroul 6, Corrimal 6; Wests 4; Helensburgh 3; Collegians 2, Berkeley 2; Wollongong/Uni 1; Dapto 0.
In round three of the VB Cup today, Avondale are at home to Bulli and Windang play Mt Kembla in a double-header at Reed Park, while Northern Suburbs take on Port Kembla at Jim Allen Oval.
Points: Mt Kembla 4; Bulli 3; Port Kembla 3; Avondale 2; Windang 0; Norths 0.
