Walsh was a crucial factor in Central's revival from 16 points down to beat Cessnock last weekend with Kidd admitting that limiting his influence and that of five-eighth Phythian would go a long way towards securing the two points.

"It's still early days in the comp but this will be a good test for us and show us where we're at," Kidd said of the Lyall Peacock Field clash.

"I've had a pretty good look at them the past few weeks and they are going good. Walshy and Phythian are getting them around the park really well and their big pack rolls up the middle.

"Like I said, it will be a good test and we've got a big month coming up with games against Cessnock, Maitland and The Entrance after this one."

While he praised his opponent's halves, Kidd said he couldn't be happier with his own playmakers Jeremy Gibson and Andy Sumner and the influence of Kerrod Holland.

"We've got a smaller, mobile pack and we like to play a bit of footy and that won't change for us," he said.

Former Knight Nathan Ross was expected to make a decision last night after training about whether he will make his Real NRL return for Kurri in the Coalfields derby against Cessnock at Cessnock today.

"I'm a good chance of playing but it will hinge on how the calf pulls up after training tonight," Ross said yesterday.

Bulldogs five-eighth Tyler Randell, who played just one game for Cessnock last season before quitting the club, is sure to get a frosty reception from the Goannas crowd.

Kurri will welcome back captain coach Mitch Cullen from suspension while for Cessnock, captain Reed Hugo returns from injury.

In today's other matches, Wests will be chasing their first win of the season but face a tall order at home against competition heavyweight Maitland at Harker Oval while Souths and Lakes do battle at Townson Oval.

In tomorrow's other game, in-form Wyong will take on The Entrance in their Central Coast local derby which is tipped to provide plenty of fire-works.

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