The idea first came into effect last season and provides a lot closer competition for the second half of the season.

At the moment, the usual suspects of Moree and Narrabri are unbeaten at the top, Walcha has snuck into third, just in front of Pirates, with Gunnedah currently in fifth.

The Red Devils have four wins and so do Barraba, although the Red Devils have taken two more bonus points which could prove the difference.

Pirates beat Quirindi 57-nil on Saturday and will limp into the top tier carrying a few bad injuries.

A huge blow to the Buccaneers’ season is the loss of Country flanker Josh Stewart for the rest of the year.

“Josh is gone for the season and Conrad Starr has a broken hand,” Verrell said.

“We are a bit thin with loose forwards anyway but they have been huge losses.” 

One of the positives from the match was seeing the younger players step up and take a leading role, and the same went for Quirindi.

Former Pirate and Country star Nick Rees is coaching the Lions and took positives from a much improved second half.

“Our set pieces were good and we even won a tighthead,” Rees said.

“They played with really good support and we just couldn’t keep up with the quick play.” 

Rees is looking forward to the competition splitting, as it will mean more competitive games for the Lions week in week out.

For Verrell and the Pirates it will mean the best rugby week in, week out, and, with a team already ravaged by injury, it is going to take some careful management and a bit of luck.

“We just have to hang in there and hope we can win when it counts,” Verrell said.

 Pirates will play Barraba and Scone in the last two round games.