North Tamworth have made positional changes for Sunday's clash against the Cowboys at Jack Woolaston Oval, in an effort to end an unusual run of losses for the six-time reigning premiers.
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Norths have lost their last two matches, against Werris Creek and Narrabri, and tackle last-placed Dungowan in what Bears coach Brad McManus has labelled a "must- win game".
"We should have beaten Narrabri," McManus said, referring to last weekend's 24-22 extra-time home loss to the Blues.
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"We beat ourselves, really. [We] need to get back into the winner's list.
"Dungowan won't be easy. They have been poking along nicely and we will have to be at our best."
McManus said the fact "everyone wants to beat us" doesn't help his side if they misfire, as they have done in the last two games. All up, they lost three times in the opening seven rounds.
McManus said he made lineup changes too "to liven us up a bit".
Halfback Bailey Taylor goes to fullback, with Mitch Sheridan moving to halfback in a straight swap.
"We're just trying something a bit different," McManus said.
"Bailey has played a lot of fullback and this will enable him to roam from side to side and be able to pop up on both sides of the field.
"Mitch has played anywhere and everywhere with us, before he found his spot at fullback ... He played different positions in the Greater Northern Tigers too."
McManus welcomes back young backrower Dan Kelly from injury, with Jack Patterson starting at centre.
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