New England Rugby Round 7: Tamworth excited to get back to Tamworth Rugby Park

The Magpies have at best put together probably 40 minutes this season.

Burke noted that it's not through lack of effort or enthusiasm. If anything it's the opposite - being too enthusiastic and pushing the boundaries, which is leading to penalties, early in the game.

"It's not until they start getting tired and they're not pushing the boundaries as much that they're performing better," he said.

But by then they are having to play catch up.

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"We've got to learn how to play 80 minutes of football and how to be disciplined and how to control your emotions," Burke said.

He said they have discussed it at length, and the players know what they need to do; it's just a matter of going out and doing it.

On Saturday they will make a welcome return to Tamworth Rugby Park, hosting second-placed Armidale.

They haven't played at home since their win over Barbarians a month ago now.

Their only win to date, Burke said the mood among the group is still really good.

"The boys are up for it," he said.

The Blues got the points last time the two sides met courtesy of a late try after the Magpies had fought back from 17-nil down to lead 20-17.

Burke said they are bracing for "a pretty tough encounter", and are expecting the Blues to look to play the game "fairly wide".

The Magpies do have a couple of injuries from last weekend but will welcome back Blake Clout and Darcy Barker. Barker will slot into the pack while Clout will start at outside centre for Henry Hickson, Burke preferring that bit of a bigger body.

Gates open at 11am ahead of the third grade clash at 11.55am.

In the other game St Alberts host Barbarians.

First game back at home for a month. Then a couple of weeks off.

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