The Narwan Eels have been on a streak of success in the Group 19 A-grade competition and are aiming to continue that trend this Saturday when they face the Moree Boars.
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The Eels have spent three weeks off the field due to the long weekend followed by a round nine bye with their last match on June 4 against the Armidale Rams.
Prior to their hiatus, Narwan downed ladder leaders Glen Innes, then toppled reigning premiers the Moree Boomerangs before thumping the Rams.
Player-coach John Roberts is hoping to keep the hot streak going but admits it will be tough to re-find their rhythm.
"A couple of weeks off is definitely going to hurt us," he said.
"We didn't do much with the bye and the long weekend, the boys only just got back into it this week.
"I say it will be a slow start from us and hopefully we can finish the game off strong.
"Hopefully our boys, the fitness they have done over the pre-season and during the season, hopefully they can continue."
While preparation leading into matches has been patchy in the past, Roberts said the full squad is jumping on board now with a renewed sense of belief.
"Last night [Wednesday] was a really good training session, we had probably the best numbers we have had which is good," he said.
"I would say everyone wants to get back in the side now, given the streak we are on.
"We definitely have the 'everyone wants to play for each other' vibe back in the camp.
"The belief is there now."
The Boars have missed out on wins in their recent matches but haven't been far off the pace.
Roberts is betting they will prove formidable.
"We have been on a roll but this weekend we have nearly a full squad, we have still got a couple out, due to injury," he said.
"We know it is going to be a task with our next few games, especially this one, given the fact we have had the two weeks off.
"If we can do this, then we are back on the winning streak.
"We just have to focus on this weekend, we are not going to take them too lightly.
"We know where the ball players are and who they are and what we need to do to control them."