Hunter Hurricanes men's coach Dan Robinson reckons forced breaks have been more of a blessing than a curse for his squad ahead of the 2019 finals series.
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The Hurricanes, who meet defending premiers Sydney University in an elimination semi at Homebush on Friday (8pm), have lined up just six times since March 10 after playing 12 matches across six weekends to start the Australian Water Polo League season.
A three-week international pause in March was followed by a double header at home and four games in Western Australia, which marked the end of Hunter's regular round fixtures on April 14.
It means the upcoming do-or-die encounter against the Lions will be the Hurricanes' first in 19 days.
"The break has really served us well," Robinson said.
"Other times you could look at it as more of a negative, but the time off has allowed us to rest and recover and now we're ready to rock and roll for the finals."
Robinson said preparations for a second straight shot at the play-offs have continued despite the lack of competition.
"We've had a lot of scrimmages and a lot of practice quarters where we can set up our attack and get some defensive reps in," the mentor said.
"The intensity and the effort have been there, which is really good."
The fourth-placed Hurricanes, who finished second on the ladder last year but missed a medal, will train again at Lambton on Thursday evening before heading down to Sydney Olympic Park on Friday.
They have beaten Sydney Uni twice this season.
