Facing none other than the Tamworth Pirates, the local ladies have been training hard in preparation.

The last time the Highlanders took the field was at their last home game in mid-August.

“We played Tamworth in Inverell twice and had two very convincing wins, that was a couple of weeks ago now,” he said.

The final scores at Rugby Park were 20-0 in the first game and 22-7 in the second game.

Prior to that, in round eight, the Highlanders also downed Tamworth in both games at Chillingworth Oval.

The first game saw Inverell win 15-5 and in the second game they won 22-12.

However, Beattie admitted Saturday was a whole different ball game with the Highlanders travelling over to Tamworth and the “added pressures of finals football”.

“We’ve been training hard focused on what has been working well for us this season. I am very happy with our fitness levels at the moment,” he said.

The girls have been focused on improving their speed work, set piece, drawing and passing and fundamental game skills.

With a number of Inverell Highlanders making representative duties, this season has been a huge success all-round.

“We had three Highlanders play at Hobart on the weekend in the first round of the AON series with the UNE Lions, which was fantastic,” he said.

Beattie said he was quietly confident the girls could take home the win, as long as they stick to the plan.

“Like any game of footy, I am sure we will get the win if we play to our full potential and stay focused,” he said.

The winner of Saturday’s game will go straight through to the Central North Rugby Union grand final in two weekends.

The loser will have to play Gunnedah next weekend for a second, and final chance, at the 2018 grand final.

The Highlanders have been a particularly strong side in this season’s women’s sevens rugby competition.