CRL Newcastle coach Rick Stone doesn't believe a three-week hiatus will impact his team's chances in the NSW Women's Premiership finals when they meet the North Sydney Bears at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday.
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His squad last played on June 29, one of only two games played by CRL Newcastle last month, and have since been sidelined with a bye and forfeit.
However, Stone feels third-placed CRL Newcastle will be up for the challenge in the opening round of the play-offs as they push towards making the 2019 decider.
"It's not ideal for us not having any games running into finals," Stone said.
"The bonus is we've avoided any injuries during that time and we've still been training pretty hard. The girls are ready to go."
Stone said CRL Newcastle were at full strength apart from injured playmaker Simone Smith (knee), who could return later in the finals campaign.
CRL Newcastle boast the best for-and-against record this season.
The second-placed Bears beat CRL Newcastle 10-8 at North Sydney Oval on April 7 in their only previous meeting this year. Kick-off is 3pm.
CRL NEWCASTLE: 1 Claire Reed 2 Skye McKenzie 3 Bobbi Law 4 Isabelle Kelly 5 Alicia Martin 6 Olivia Higgins 7 Melanie Howard 8 Rebecca Young 9 Kylie Hilder 10 Emma Young 11 Holli Wheeler 12 Hannah Southwell 13 Sophie Buller 14 Tazmyne Luschwitz 15 Tayla Predebon 16 Caitlan Johnston 17 Chantelle Graham 18 Alyssa Tai.
