DESPITE the prediction of heavy rain this weekend, Dubbo Macquarie coach Steve McLellan wants his side to keep playing the free-flowing football they've become synonymous with in 2016.
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Up to 40mm is expected on Sunday, leading many to believe the clash between the Raiders and the Narromine Jets will turn into an old-fashioned forwards' battle.
But that's not what McLellan wants.
With a number of creative players at his disposal, McLellan wants his side to continue the type of play which has got them to third on the Group 11 ladder.
"Obviously you've got to adapt to the conditions but we don't want to stop moving the ball," he said.
"We'll still move the ball and pass the ball but we'll just have to shorten the passes.
"We don't want to get into a forwards' match, it doesn't suit us and we've got the confidence in our fitness and we'll be trying to run them around irrespective of the conditions."
Two of the Raiders' best attacking talents, Etuate Gusuivalu and Josh Merritt, will miss the clash with the Jets due to injury and suspension respectively.
Damien Wells, a standout in 2016, will be tasked with guiding the side around from halfback while Mason Williams will make his second appearance for the season after returning from a foot injury last round against Forbes. Williams played fullback against the Magpies and will line up in the number one jersey again against the Jets.
"I think he was dressed and ready to go before the girls' League Tag," McLellan laughed in regards to Williams' return last week.
"He played fullback and did the job and will be there again."
The Jets come into the match in sixth spot on the ladder but the three matches they have lost have been to premiership contenders CYMS, Parkes and Forbes.
The new-look squad has produced some of the best play of any Narromine side in recent years and while wary of the men in red and white, McLellan was confident of containing their attacking players.
"I looked at some of the guys they picked up and they've got some strikepower," he said.
"Darryl Cubby, he just scores tries, Luke Harding has been good for them for a number of years without much support and Lukey Thompson is fit and firing, so they're in good shape and have been competitive in every game.
"We've been working hard on defence and getting back to our structure because they can score points, but they've been leaking some too so our aim is to hold them out and we believe we can score points."
Sunday's action at Caltex Park begins with the League Tag at 11am while the first grade match will kick off at 2.30pm.
