Pickers coach Luke Dorn wants his players to step up in the absence of at least seven regular first graders when Maitland hosts Central Newcastle on Saturday.
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In search of back-to-back wins for the second time this season, Dorn has called on Maitland's squad to relish the opportunity against the Butcher Boys at home in round seven.
Only two competition points separate second to last on a congested eight-team Newcastle Rugby League ladder.
The Pickers are on six points and Central have four.
"It's a chance for our guys to step up and go back-to-back," Dorn said.
"Especially with all of our injuries. It would help put us in a good spot for when those guys start to come back."
The Pickers are missing skipper Sam Anderson, Jacob Sinclair (foot), Marco Delapena (knee), Tyler Perrin (ribs), Shay Padberg (cheekbone) Elijah Rasiga and Gary Anderson (Knights under 20s).
Dorn said he was excited about the prospect of newcomer Cooper Jenkins, who is "still only 17" but both "athletic" and "explosive".
Central lost 12-6 to Kurri last start.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Lakes are down both Jacob Gagai (broken thumb) and Cal Orchard (fractured eye socket) as last year's grand finalists try to repeat their win over the Bulldogs at Kurri a fortnight ago.
Kurri are still without pivot Jade Porter (knee) with former NSW Country captain Sam Wooden again named in the halves.
Rounding out the trio of Coalfields fixtures, the Goannas welcome mid-season signing Scott Briggs on board at Cessnock Sportsground while undefeated leaders Western Suburbs are bolstered by the return of Rebels representative hooker Alex Langbridge from injury and suspension.
Stephen Widders continues at fullback for South Newcastle at Townson Oval with Kieran Cubby-Shipp (studies) unavailable while Macquarie lose playmaker Cameron Davies to the Knights' under-20 team.
Meanwhile, Macquarie reserve grader Jack Lumby had his kicking charge reduced at the judiciary on Thursday night and will now only serve a one-match suspension.
