Bulldogs v Blues - Round 12: First plays fifth at Kitchener Park | Jake Rumsby

The Blues tough 20-12 win over Kootingal-Moonbi at Collins Park last Sunday resulted in them leapfrogging the Roosters into top spot on the ladder.

"We're No 1 now," Rumsby said. "Now it's time to stay there; that's the next task."

In essence, Rumsby has also challenged his young team to reproduce the stinging and desperate defence they delivered against the Roosters.

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It's also a challenge to continue their improving attacking play, as well as a challenge to opposing teams to come and match them at Collins Park.

Narrabri were the only home side to win last round. They have had six home games this season, winning all six.

"We showed that Blues spirit that we'd been missing the past couple of games," Rumsby told the Narrabri Courier after Sunday's eight-point win.

Narrabri's last minor premiership was in 1990, when they won the last of their five premierships.

"We win our last three games and we will be minor premiers too," Rumsby said. Three rounds remain before the finals.

The Blues have now beaten Moree (18-10), Boggabri (46-24), Gunnedah (30-24), Dungowan in golden-point extra time (16-12), Werris Creek (40-14) and Kootingal-Moonbi (20-12) at Collins Park tis season.

Gunnedah, meanwhile, welcome back young prop Lincon Smith for the local derby at Kitchener Park.

The Bulldogs ended a six-game losing streak with a win at Werris Creek last Saturday.

They will be without Jackson Brookman and Hayden Jaeger, wo are unavailable due to work commitments.

Brookman won the three best and fairest points last Saturday.

"It's frustrating not having him because of work," Bulldogs coach Mick Schmiedel said, adding that he still has a strong side.

Having Smith back from a three-week suspension is "massive", he added.

"He's chomping at the bit ... He feels like he's let the boys down a little, so he's out to repay them," Schmiedel said.

"And having his brother [Kerrod] play beside him is also a massive bonus," the coach added.

"Kerrod has earned his position due his form in the lower grades and what he did for us against Dungowan and Norths.

"We have a little form on the board at the moment and some confidence back from the win at Werris Creek.

"If we can win our last three games and somehow make the semis, then we'll go into the semis with some good form."

Schmiedel is expecting a "tough" game against the Blues.

"The guys are up for it, and we want to finish the season on a good note," he said.

"With three games to play, we have three of the teams in the top four. We want to be a massive nuisance."

Elsewhere, Werris Creek is at home to Boggabri and Kootingal-Moonbi hosts Dungowan on Saturday.

On Sunday, North Tamworth travel to Moree's Boughton Oval to tackle the Boars in a game the Boars will be desperate to win to keep alive their hopes of a third-place finish.

It is also Paul "Poey" Raveneau Day - in honour of the late Boars legend.

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