Jackson is nursing a long term ankle injury sustained during the pre-season and has only intermittently terrorised defences from short range this season, generally favouring to marshal the troops and service his halves instead.

But if the Macquarie Raiders intend to inflict Dubbo CYMS’ first loss of the season Jackson will need to choose his moments to dig deep, grit his teeth and bear the pain when the two sides meet in round eight at Apex Oval tomorrow.

“I am still battling with my ankle,” Jackson admitted.

“When I rolled my ankle it tore a muscle in the arch of my foot. It’s hard to stretch and takes a long time to heal - the doctor said it won’t be fully recovered for six to 18 months.

“But I’m not using it as an excuse and every time I play I try to do my best - that’s all I can do.”

Jackson will come up against Luke Jenkins tomorrow who, like Jackson, is renowned for splitting open back-peddling defences close to the ruck area.

Jackson was looking forward to the forward’s battle and said there was plenty of rejuvenated enthusiasm in the Raiders pack.

“These games against CYMS are always tough, passionate matches and I don’t think this will be any different,” Jackson said.

“The team meeting we had the other week did change our attitude a bit and hopefully now we can

put that behind us and move forward.

“We’re starting to come into some form and with Peach (David Peachey) back all the boys feel more confident around him.

“CYMS are traditionally strong in the forwards but while we may have lost some big guys like Ash (Conn), Kinni (Tanualucavu) and AJ (Pesamino), the blokes we’ve got will put in 100 per cent.

“Kyle Webb has been playing good footy in more of a leadership role this season and hopefully he can lead from the front for us on the weekend.”

While the main game will kick off at Apex Oval at 2pm, the day will begin with two games of girls rugby league.

The Eastridge Green Machine will take on the PCYC Spitfires at 10am followed by the Eastridge Cobras and PCYC Slayers at 10.40am.

The under-18s start at 11.30am followed by reserve grade at 12.45pm.