WERRIS Creek Magpies co-coach Ron Dellar has declared Saturday's game against the Boggabri Roos as "a must win" for his side.
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Travelling to Jubilee Oval to take on the seventh-placed Roos, Dellar said a victory would hold his side in good stead heading into the halfway point of the Group 4 season.
"A win is really important for us," Dellar said.
"Aside from North Tamworth, who are leading the competition, there isn't too much that separates the rest of us.
"So, victories against those teams around you on the ladder is really important."
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A victory, coupled with other results, could see the Creek claim outright second spot on the Group 4 ladder heading into next week's halfway point of the season.
"This weekend is a great chance for us to sit four points clear in second position," Dellar said.
"It won't be easy, Boggabri is a good side. But if we can defeat them and Gunnedah goes down to North Tamworth on Sunday, we will sit four points clear."
The Magpies will be without two key players heading into Saturday's clash, with Isaah Millgate and Thomas Brown facing stints on the sideline.
"Isaah broke his thumb last week and is out for the next six weeks," Dellar said.
"He and Thomas Brown, who is out with a neck injury, are massive losses for us.
"However, we have worked hard on building our playing depth this season, so hopefully we should have guys who can fill those roles for us."
Dellar said he was looking forward to seeing the two team's hookers "go head to head" on Saturday.
"I think it will be really interesting to see Callum Hayne and Matt Gillham put on a show," he said.
"Gillham has really stood out for them this season and Callum has really settled in with us since moving over from Gunnedah.
"It should be really interesting."
Dellar said Dwight Millgate would be key to his side's winning chances on Saturday.
"In the past couple of weeks he [Millgate] has gone from playing at five eighth to the front row," he said.
"You can't ask for too much more than that as a coach.
"Our big aim on Saturday will be to go forward, that's when we play our best so that will be what we will try to do."
In the round's other action, Dungowan will be searching for their second win of the season when they play host to the Narrabri Blues.
On Sunday, North Tamworth Bears will be looking to continue their winning ways when they host the Gunnedah Bulldogs in a 2018 grand final rematch.
The Kootingal-Moonbi Roosters have the bye.
