But Goannas coach Todd Edwards knows it will be a hollow compliment if Cessnock doesn't even reach the play-offs.

Which makes Sunday's catch-up game against Lakes United at Cahill Oval all the more important. Cessnock [13] currently sits fourth on level points with fifth-placed Central with Kurri a point back in sixth spot.

What has Edwards nervous is his side finishes with games against runaway leaders Wests at home next weekend and second-placed South Newcastle at Townson Oval on Sleapy's Day in the final round.

"We can't afford to slip up against Lakes," he said.

"The fact we are playing against them for the second time in a week at the same venue just makes it a bit more intriguing. It's pretty rare to play the same side two weeks in a row at the same place. We played well to beat them last week but this will be a bit of a mental test for us.

"We have to turn up with the right attitude otherwise they will pull our pants down. They are a proud club Lakes with a lot of good young kids and they are fighting to avoid the wooden spoon so we know they are going to be ripping in."

Experienced players Scott Briggs and Paul Carter were among Cessnock's best in a 36-16 win over the Seagulls last week and will need to lead the way again for the Goannas.

In the only other game this weekend on Sunday, Wests will be back to near full strength when they take on Souths at Harker Oval after one of the best wins of Lantry's coaching career against Kurri last weekend.

The Rosellas had eight regular top-graders missing due to illness and injury but still managed to grind out an 18-8 victory at Kurri.

All bar injured centre Blake Andrews and forward Felise Tauffao [illness] will be on deck for the top-of-the-table clash which would see the Rosellas stretch their competition lead to 10 points if they win.

Despite their dominance, Lantry said he is still searching for a complete 80 minute performance from his side.

"I think the challenge for us leading into the finals is to take our game to another level again,"Lantry said.

"There are still areas where we can get better. We still have lapses in games so we can always minimise our errors even more and be better discipline-wise. I probably think on paper, Cessnock is a real danger team for everyone but Souths are obviously a genuine contender as well."

The Lions are still without key players Daniel Martine and Jason Keelan and have lost prop Luke Higgins, who will be rested over the next couple of weeks due to concussion.

"We lost those three games in a row so it was good to get back on the horse with a win last week against Macquarie," coach Andrew Ryan said. "This game is obviously another level again though. We'll just be looking to go out there and compete and give it a real good crack."