Tamworth coach Peter Burke has found himself in a bit of an unfamiliar situation as the Magpies prepare for what he expects to be their biggest test to date.
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Burke has only had to make the one change for Saturday's clash with Armidale with Nathaniel Ellerton coming into the second row for Rob Creighton.
"That shows that the side has started to settle a bit," he said.
It is also a measure of the contrasting position they find themselves in.
The Magpies embark on their first road trip of the season bristling with confidence after disposing of Barbarians and St Alberts.
After having to wait seven rounds to notch their first win last season, the Magpies embark on their first road trip of the season bristling with confidence after disposing of Barbarians and St Alberts.
"We're really pleased with the form of our backs in particular," Burke said.
"It's great to see Cooper Thompson back."
Thompson missed most of last season with a hand injury and played well returning at five-eighth last week.
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"And the form of the backrow has been pleasing the first couple of rounds," Burke added.
He's hoping that continues on Saturday, expecting the Blues to be very hard over the ball.
"Armidale last year tried to control the ball for long periods of time. I expect them to be the same. We're looking to counter that the best we can," he said.
He said will be a big step up and a good test of where they are.
"I'm expecting our boys to settle into their game plan a bit more, and have more faith in that," he said.
"They're starting to do that and a lot of things we were working on last year are starting to come to fruition."
Albies and the Baa Baas will be chasing their first win for the season when they face off in the other game.
