The Saints got the better of the Roos in their earlier encounter and, while there was only 12 points in it, Roos coach Tony Bishop was less then impressed with the way his side played.

“We were very disappointing,” coach Tony Bishop said.

“We trained disappointingly during the week and got what we deserved.”

Since then they’ve “improved out of sight” with their training effort.

The expected wet conditions will make it a “really hard slog”.

“Hopefully our skill level can match theirs or be better,” he said.

“I’ve got no doubt my boys will be willing. It’s just a matter of whether our skills can outshine the Saints.”

He said his side understood how important the game is for them.

It could decide second spot.

“We have to go back there one more time,” Bishop said.

“If we win this it puts us right back in contention.”

He said it would be won out of the middle, with both sides having a tendency to be a bit inaccurate with their kicking at times.

“They seem to have a bit of a younger group,” he said.

That’s given them a bit more pace than they’ve possibly had in the past.

Michael Gould up front will be one they’ll have to watch.

“He’s a quality player,” Bishop said.

“He’s definitely someone who can kick goals for them.”

Luke Selig and Thomas Williams are also strong in the midfield but Brock Quinn, Dean Hoy and Daniel Leon have been doing a good job for the Roos there.

They are coming off the bye while the Saints spoiled the Tamworth Swans’ 10-year premiership reunion party with a 43-point win.

The Swans are at No.1 Oval again today and host the Narrabri Eagles while the high-flying New England Nomads head to Moree to take on a Moree Suns side they blitzed in the first round.