The Tamworth outfit will take on Sutherland at the Tamworth Sports Dome on Saturday and Thunderbolt Rhys Chillingworth believes a win is there for the taking if the side plays to its potential.

“We’re feeling confident. If we can play the basketball we’re capable of, we shouldn't have any problems winning this weekend,” Chillingworth said.

The players have good reason to feel confident heading into the clash against the sixth-placed Sharks.

The Thunderbolts racked up 15 wins for the season to finish third.

They almost finished second but a three-point last round loss to minor premier Bankstown saw them drop down a rung on points differential.

The Sharks have been no slouches this season, either, and also went close to knocking over Bankstown – Sutherland lost by four points – in round 18.

And while the two sides haven’t met this year – it will even be the first time 21-year-old Chillingworth has played the side in his four years in the state league – but that doesn’t mean the Bolts will be going into the match blindly.

“I know our coach [John Ireland] watched one of their games and they like to shoot the ball from outside a lot,” Chillingworth.

“We need to contain those shooters and play that in your face defence we have been all year.”

Helping Tamworth’s chances is the home ground advantage.

The Thunderbolts will be out to extend their impressive home record.

“Not losing a home game at the dome for the past five or six years makes a massive difference for us,” Chillingworth said.

“It does add a lot of pressure but if we can get a crowd, which we have for the best part of this year, it adds to the atmosphere and gives us a lot of encouragement.”

As far as his own season has gone, Chillingworth has slowly found his feet as one of the senior players this year – despite being just 21 years of age.

“I think I’m the third or fourth oldest in the team and the coach has got me helping those younger guys and being a bit of a leader,” Chilingworth said.

“I started off the year probably not having as big a scoring influence as I’ve had in the past three years but as the year’s progressed, I’ve started to play more of the basketball I enjoy and contribute to the team.”

The quarter final will commence at 6pm.