WERRIS Creek has everything to play for when they tackle the Dungowan Cowboys at the Dungowan Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
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Then again, it's the same for Narrabri, Kootingal-Moonbi and Gunnedah, as all four sides are also vying for three semi-final berths.
With unbeaten minor premiers North Tamworth sitting out this round with a bye, the four sides are locked in an intense battle to see who will challenge the Bears.
After the Dungowan clash, the Magpies host Boggabri in the final round the following week. Finishing second gives a side a second chance in the finals, if needed.
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If Kootingal lose, Gunnedah could jump the Roosters into third spot if they beat the Roos in Boggabri on Saturday.
Werris Creek co-coach Ron Dellar was "happy" to hear Dungowan might be without one of their stars, back-rower Brett Jarrett, this week. "He is a good player," Dellar said.
"He caused us a lot of trouble at home earlier this season. I remember (Magpies co-coach) Matty (Parsons) saying, 'Gee I'd like to have him on our side' when he was punching holes in our defence."
For Parsons and Dellar, the semi-final equation is simple: win both games and they run second and earn a major semi berth against North Tamworth.
"We've got everything to play for," Dellar said.
The Magpies will be close to full strength, with only Beau Parry and Miles Kearney missing.
Marty Shaw has returned from a calf injury and will start on the bench.
One person cheering for Dungowan is Kootingal-Moonbi coach Geoff Sharpe.
An upset win by the Cowboys would be very welcome at the Roosters.
Sharpe accurately described Blues captain-coach Brenton Cochrane as "a real threat".
He added: "They are a dangerous team and they are going to be desperate as well. It's a huge game for us. We need to win after that loss (to Norths). The boys know how strong Narrabri are."
The Roosters welcome back Jack Rumsby from an eye injury and he has been named at fullback, although Brad Vidler suffered a shoulder injury at work and is out for a few weeks.
Will Saunders moves onto the wing, with Jesse Campbell named in the centres.
TOOHEYS GROUP 4 FIRST GRADE LADDER
P W L D Bye For A Diff Pts
NORTH TAMWORTH 12 11 0 0 1 564 134 430 24
WERRIS CREEK 12 7 4 0 2 304 316 -12 16
KOOTINGAL 12 6 5 0 2 306 275 31 15
GUNNEDAH 12 4 5 1 2 276 300 -24 13
NARRABRI 12 4 6 0 2 307 394 -87 12
DUNGOWAN 12 2 7 0 2 224 360 -136 9
BOGGABRI 12 2 8 0 2 180 382 -202 8
Kootingal receive a point for losing to Narrabri in golden point extra time.
