New England Rugby Union's college sides are back from university holidays and are ready to take aim at the rest of the competition.
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St Albert's have had one game in the last six weeks, a 48-29 loss to Tamworth in round 11, and will face last start winners, the Armidale Blues, this Saturday for round 13.
"The break has freshened the side up and allowed us to shake off a few niggling injuries, but there is definitely some "ring-rust" at training," Albies co-coach Scott Waterson said.
"The Tamworth game was interesting, we had players travelling from Hay, South Australia, Central Queensland and all over the place to arrive and play in Tamworth.
"At that stage we hadn't played or trained together for four weeks and, to be honest, our expectations were low. We fought back from 12-0, then 19-5 down to lead 22-19 just before half time and although Tamworth ran over the top of us later, I think that resilience was a real positive that we took from that match."
Over at Alcatraz, the Barbarians will host competition leaders Robb College who are coming off a loss to second-placed Tamworth.
The Baa Baas bowed out of finals contention in their last start against the Blues.
Despite missing out on a spot in the top four, first grade player Bill Hyde said they are still determined to rattle the competition and begin building for 2020.
"We still got a core first-grade group that should be around next year," he said.
"At the end of the day you still want to win games and it is probably good to give these teams that are in finals contention a bit of a shake up," he said.
"Hopefully we can win a few games and build towards next year and hopefully when we get everyone back for next year we can be a force in the comp."
Similar to their college counterparts, Robb have been back on the training paddock this week after a break.
They will also have a host of players return to the fold.
"There is pressure on the players to perform in positions in all grades leading into the finals," co-coach Sam Ditchfield said.
"We will be without inside centre Liam Salmon who is away with university commitments in Wagga.
"In the backs, Charlie Harris is back at fullback who was away the week before with a shoulder injury."
Robb have had the better of the Baa Baas in their two encounters this year, but Ditchfield isn't expecting the match to be a walk in the park.
"I don't think we have ever had an easy game against the Baa Baas. They are always competitive and I can't imagine this weekend will be any different," he said.