Saints coach Kevin Sinclair has declared their fixture with the Camden Haven Redbacks this Saturday is a "must-win".
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Kempsey are in a three-way tie for fifth position with the Taree Wildcats and the Redbacks, with Saints currently ahead on a superior goal differential.
With six rounds remaining, the top four have pulled away from the rest of the group as 11-competition points separates the fourth and fifth placed sides.
That leaves one finals spot up for grabs and the Saints have the benefit of having their destiny in their own hands, as they play all four of the sides below them on the table. Victories in those games would book Saints' place in an elimination final.
"It's a make or break stretch for us over the last rounds. This will determine whether we are serious about playing finals or not," Sinclair told the Argus.
"It starts this Saturday for us as it's a must-win game against the Redbacks."
Sinclair believes Saints' current position isn't a true representation of how his side has played this season.
"This isn't where we wanted to be at this time of the year and I don't think we deserve to be in it either," he said.
"We have picked up a win and a draw against last year's grand finalists and also picked up a result against the second placed Port Saints side too. Our downfall has been draws."
Kempsey has settled for a draw on five occasions this year.
Saints will test their depth against the Redbacks with a number of players unavailable for various reasons.
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