It’s not often a coach is prepared to put his cojones on the chopping block like that, especially against a team going for six straight wins.

But such is Craig’s confidence in his improving Mountain Men – the side’s on a three-game winning streak – that he is willing to do so without a moment’s hesitation.

“They’ve [Uralla] got good consistency in this competition,” he said. “That’s a good trot for them (five consecutive wins). They should be proud of that. But unfortunately, we’re going to bring that to an end tomorrow.”

Kapow! Bam! Boom! Take that, Tigers.

A match that generates much excitement just got more exciting, in a competition that gets more interesting by the week, thanks in part to Bendemeer and Uralla’s exploits.

With competition leaders Kootingal-Moonbi losing for the second time this season last round, after being manhandled by Barraba at home, and the queue behind them on the ladder getting more congested, the Second Division is heading towards what is shaping as a riveting climate.

Only six points separate second-placed Bendemeer and the rejuvenated ninth-placed Magpies, with Uralla in fifth spot one point behind the Mountain Men.

Much of Craig’s confidence stems from the form of Craig Ruttley since he was moved from halfback to fullback two matches back, with skipper Harlee Millgate moving from the back to halfback.

Since the switch, Ruttley has produced back-to-back man of the match performances and a hat-trick of tries in those games – a 52-12 thumping of the Bears in Bundarra and last round’s 38-16 away win over Walcha.

On Ruttley, Craig said: “It [the switch to fullback] gives him a little bit more room to move and he gets himself involved a bit better.”

Craig said his side’s preparation this week had been ideal. “They know how tough Uralla can be,” he said. “We’ve made sure we’ve dotted our i’s and crossed our t’s.”

He added: “Uralla are playing good football. They’re a good young side and they’ll be a big test for us at home.”

In other games on Saturday, Dungowan hosts Bundarra, Werris Creek travel to Bingara and Manilla welcomes Walcha. On Sunday, Barraba host Boggabri.

In the First Division, the Bulldogs and Bears meet in Gunnedah on Saturday and on Sunday, Narrabri host Wee Waa and Collegian welcome South West.