Crippled by injuries throughout the opening five weeks of the season, the 2017 grand finalists have struggled for form thus far, winning just two of their five games. 

Coach Sean Barrett knows it’s not panic stations just yet, but he recognises his team needs to find some form pretty quickly to maintain contact with the competition’s top teams.

“Shoalhaven sit top of the ladder, it’s obviously going to be a big test,” Barrett said. “They’ve been a side on the improve the last couple of years, they’re well coached, they’ll come with a gameplan, it’s another test for us.

“We won’t change too much from last week. We’ll have to tighten up our defence, Shoalhaven have threats across the park, so we need to be mindful of that. We’ve got to be more ruthless when we get in front, stick to our structures and see if we can claim the victory.

“It’s not panic stations yet, we’re only five weeks in, but we’re approaching now or never stages.”

Shoalhaven and Avondale sit atop the ladder with four wins, followed by University, Bowral and Shamrocks, all with three wins and two losses. Vikings and Tech are one win back.

“With Camden’s victory last week, it’s more of an even playing field for that top six. Tech pushed Avondale last week as well, so they’re a team to keep an eye on. Anyone can beat anyone on their day, so we need to make sure we play for the full 80, which we haven’t done this year.” 

Shoalhaven bounced back from a loss to Shamrocks a fortnight ago with a victory over local rivals Kiama last weekend but coach Paul Connor knows last week’s performance will not be good enough against Vikings. 

“We didn’t play well,” Connor said. “We had about eight different changes last week due to injuries and availabilities, the final score flattered us a little bit. 

“Our lack of discipline was the single biggest issue, we tend to get dragged down to where other sides are at. Vikings are a very well structured side, so discipline should be less of an issue, our issue is to try and match them at set piece.”

Illawarra’s success at the Country Championships has had a flow on effect to the local competition, with 12 players selected in the NSW Country train-on squad. With a Country camp this weekend, those players will miss this weekend’s games.

“We’re without flanker Dane Netherey,” Barrett said. “He’s Mr Reliable, one of our form players for the last few years, he deserves the opportunity to chase higher representative honours.”

With five players selected in the Country squad, University will be the most affected by the camp. However, Shamrocks coach Ron Davis has spent the week ensuring his side isn’t ambushed by an understrength University on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Tech Tahs will aim to celebrate Old Boys Day in style when they take on Campbelltown at Saunders Oval, Avondale will host Camden and Kiama travels out to Bowral.