The Macleay Valley Mustangs will use their round two clash with the defending champions the Port Macquarie Sharks to gauge their current position in the Group Three competition.
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The Mustangs defeated the Sharks and Port City Breakers in pre-season games, before they started their season with a 38-18 victory over the Old Bar Pirates on Saturday.
But Macleay Valley coach Russell Lardner claims the fixture with the Sharks will provide a true indication of "where we are at".
"They won the competition last year and are the benchmark team, so it will be good to see where we are at," Lardner said.
"We beat them in a pre-season game but that doesn't mean anything come Saturday."
The Mustangs will be without new recruit Isiah Barker and his backrow replacement will be announced when team lists are released on the Argus website on Friday.
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"Isiah picked up a niggle in his hamstring but he will take a week off to make sure it doesn't get any worse," Lardner said.
"We don't play the Easter long weekend so it makes sense not to risk him this Saturday, especially so early in the season."
Lardner is hopeful his side will improve in both attack and defence but is more focused on the side sticking to the game plan.
The Mustangs host the Sharks with first grade kicking off at 3pm. Ladies League Tag starts the day off at 11.30am.
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