Nathan Green's philosophy is simple - look after your own form then be more than ready to make the most of any NRL chance which may prevent itself.

It could be applied to a host of stars forced to bide their time in the NSW Cup this weekend, particularly when the Illawarra Cutters host North Sydney at WIN Stadium on Saturday.

The Bears, South Sydney's NSW Cup affiliate, will feature Lote Tuqiri, Beau Champion and Ben Lowe in their ranks.

The Cutters have been the big benefactors of St George Illawarra's charmed injury run of late, their ranks studded with NRL-contracted players.

"Last year was a bit different because we had a few inconsistencies with injuries," Green said.

"This year is the first time we've really had everyone back.

"We've probably got one of the strongest sides in the NSW Cup and you could see that last week [against Newtown].

"We didn't play too well but still won comfortably."

The Cutters strung back-to-back wins together after a sluggish start to the year and have no fewer than six players with NRL first-grade experience in their starting side.

Green and promising centre Charly Runciman haven't been able to usurp Gerard Beale and Dylan Farrell in the Dragons squad.

Green knows he'll have to bide his time to rejuvenate his first-grade career.

"It's good that the club's going well but all I can control is to keep playing well and holding my form," he said.

"Then if the chance comes up I've got to be ready to take it with both hands.

"Last year it was so inconsistent with the players coming back but this year it's been a lot better and having a lot of first graders helps."

The Illawarra Steelers' Harold Matthews (11.30am) and SG Ball (1pm) colleagues will start the day at WIN Stadium against Wests before the NSW Cup game.

ROUND 5

SATURDAY

Illawarra Cutters v North Sydney Bears

WIN Stadium (3pm)