The South West Rocks Marlins sit in equal first position in the Hastings League, but they are wary of a resurgent Lower Macleay Magpies outfit when they enter the Battle of the Macleay this Saturday.
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The Magpies are winless this season while the Marlins have suffered the one defeat, going down 20-18 on the road in wet conditions against the defending champions the Long Flat Dragons last round.
However, despite the Magpies' struggles to start the season, Marlins co-coach Sam Drew expects to face a red hot side at Smithtown on Saturday.
"It's a local derby and no one wants to come out of it with a loss," Drew told the Argus.
"The Magpies have had a bit of a tough start to the season but I know they will step up and I expect the Magpies to be at their best."
The Marlins were on a roll to start the year, winning their first four games, but a loss against the defending champions the Dragons last week has given the side an indication of their true position in the competition.
"They are the current champions and they have the same side as last year," Drew said.
"It let us know where we are at and the things we need to work on.
"Our discipline was our biggest downfall. We gave away a lot of penalties, made a lot of mistakes and put ourselves under plenty of pressure.
"But I am happy with the way we defended and fought our way back into the game."
The Battle of the Macleay will also feature two women's games in the lead up as Beechwood tackle Kendall while the Marlins and Magpies face off.
In their inaugural year, the Marlins women have got off to a flying start as they defeated last year's grand finalists in the opening two weeks.
Drew is very impressed with the women's undefeated start to the competition.
"They defeated Kendall 12-0 in round one and backed it up with a 14-10 against Beechwood," Drew said.
"They were down 10-0 against Beechwood too and to come from behind against a strong side in their first season is massive.
"The Beechwood side has players from the North Coast Bulldogs representative side and the Marlins women should be very proud of their performance."
The Magpies host this Saturday's games at Smithtown.
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