Unwanted history beckons for the Wollongong Bulldogs in their 'do or die' stoush against Kiama Power at Keira Oval.
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The Bulldogs will miss the finals for the first time in competition history should they lose to the reigning premiers on Saturday.
Wollongong coach Lee Murray doesn't want to be on the wrong side of history but concedes qualifying for a 10th straight finals campaign will be difficult.
Kiama have beaten the Bulldogs "comfortably" twice this season already.
The finals-bound Power also head into the final round of the competition proper smarting following a last-start walloping at the hands of arch-rivals Wollongong Lions.
Murray though is banking on his young side rising to the occasion against the Ben Rawson-coached Kiama outfit.
"It's going to be difficult. I don't think we've beaten them since 2016," Murray said.
'We've had a lean old patch against those guys but this game is do or die for us. But both teams have a lot to play for.
"Part of me wishes they are not at their best but to be totally honest you want them at your best and you want to beat them at their best to give us that bit of confidence going forward."
A Bulldogs win though will not assure them a finals berth.
The in-form Bomaderry Tigers will finish fourth if they secure a fourth straight win and beat competition leaders Wollongong Lions at Artie Smith Oval.
Elsewhere, Northern Districts hosts Shellharbour.