Tamworth will be looking to break a two-game losing streak when they meet St Albert's at Rugby Park on Saturday.
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Coming into the game fresh off a competition bye, the Magpies will be looking to atone for recent losses to Robb College and the Armidale Blues.
Magpies coach Peter Burke said the group was "feeling fresh and pretty excited to get back out there".
"Recently, we have really only been focusing on two things," Burke told the Leader.
"Number one has been to get everyone healthy because we have had to stand down a few guys with injuries to ensure they are fit come finals time.
"Number two has been discounting winning the minor premiership and instead ensuring our combinations are right."
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Burke said the side's recent injury toll had paved the way for other players to stake their claim for a first grade position.
"We are really fluid at the moment and our depth is really starting to show," he said.
"Jack Kotris in the forwards and Harry Morrow are two examples of guys who have stood up when given a chance in first grade.
"In fact, I would say Harry is probably playing his best rugby during his time with the club at the moment."
Having knocked off Albies earlier in the season, Burke said he was "not taking anything for granted".
"I have seen a fair bit of Albies this season and know we will have to work hard to beat them," he said.
"With my son captaining Albies, I have taken every opportunity when we are not playing to go and watch them, so I know how good they are.
"I know if we allow them a chance to get on top they will be really difficult to stop.
"That's why we have really focused on our defence lately and hopefully that will help us get on top early."
In the round's other action, the Armidale Blues will do battle with Robb College while Barbarians will take on Glen Innes.
Saturday's first grade action begins at 3.15pm.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
