This week is round 9, the last before the competition splits into two tiers, and what could happen to the ladder after this weekend remains complicated.

It is close between fourth and fifth positions and why Saturday is an important game for the Highlanders when they take on the Pirates at Rugby Park. If they win they consolidate their position on the ladder. 

Elsewhere, Walcha play Moree, which (on paper at least) is the tougher game, but a win for Walcha and a loss for Inverell on the day, would see Walcha leapfrog the Highlanders into fourth spot. 

Of course, a loss for both sides would see no change for the two, but it could bring the sixth placed Tamworth side within striking distance of Walcha.

Highlanders’ co-coach Chad Makim said although his team took a while to get into their last game against Quirindi, they did win well and were travelling well this year.

“I think everyone reasonably fit for this time of the year. I mean, you’ve always got to keep pushing your fitness right through, but I think we’re looking pretty good,” he said

“The way we played on Saturday would have been a good game against any side.”

Makim said the Highlanders played a looser style of rugby.

“The points were score out wide all the time. It was wet, but we were handling the ball pretty well and it started getting thrown about a bit,” he said.

Nevertheless, Makim thought it would be a tough game against the Pirates.

“If we keep our defence strong and tight, and let the ball go out wide, I think we’ve got every chance of beating Pirates,” he said.

“We’ve been up there with Narrabri and Moree this year, so there’s no reason at all why we can’t roll Pirates, especially at home.”

Saturday will also be Ladies Day at the club, which will see ladies admitted to the game for free.