The Rams will no doubt come into the match on a high from their win last week against last year’s premiers the Moree Boomerangs, and Hawks president Garry Lavender admitted it could be a tough match for his club.

“Armidale are always a hard side over there. I think they were the only side that beat the Boomerangs last year,” Lavender said.

“Never underestimate them over there. I’m not sure, but I think we’ve got a couple of little niggling injuries, Jaydon Connors and Kale Hobday with a hamstring injury will both be out.

“But with that, we do have a bit of depth there. One is Brendon Critchlow. He played some minutes there last week so he’ll come in handy there.”

Lavender said he thought the match would come down to which side controlled the ball and field position.

“They have some big forwards and we do as well, so it will probably suit both sides. If they lay the foundations, I’m pretty sure we’ve got the backs to match it up.