A win over Quirindi in the third-last round will "ensure" Pirates will not have to beat final-round opponents Inverell to make the playoffs, Pirates co-coach Mick Squires said.

The reigning four-time premiers are in fourth sport - four points ahead of Moree, who travel to Narrabri on Saturday, and five points ahead of Inverell, who have the bye this round.

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Pirates have the bye next round.

Third-placed Walcha, who host Barraba on Saturday, are equal with Pirates on 50 points - with Gunnedah and Narrabri first and second on 62 and 59 points.

The 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID.

Squires said a win over the Lions would "pretty much guarantee" a finals berth, with key forwards Conrad Starr, Nick McCrohon and Tim Collins set to return from injury.

"Tim definitely won't be back until, probably, the finals," Squires said. "And I think Nick and Conrad will probably be back the week before [the finals]."

Andrew Moodie and Tony O'Connor, Squires said, were "possibilities" to return for the finals, but were "likely" out for the season.

"We'll pretty much have the same side as last week [a 37-5 win away to Barraba]," he said. "So still missing six or seven of our top players that are all still out injured.

"But we played well last week; we did the job when we had to."

Squires added: "We expect to play well against Quirindi, who are gonna be a very tough opponent."

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