Someone posting as Merewether captain Simon Moore wrote on the website the Dubbo players would need chest guards in preparation for a barrage from former Australia A quick Mark Cameron.

"We know it's not Simon who's put that stuff on the web," Moran said.

"The same guy has been texting Jason Ryan and Jason Green saying he hopes Santa brought us chest guards.

"It's a bit of fun but we will take some motivation from it. If people don't think we have a hope, we want to try and prove them wrong."

The bulk of the 13-man squad trained for three hours at No.2 Oval on Saturday in preparation for their tilt at the Lions, who are defending premiers of all three Newcastle competitions.

Moran missed the session but trained with the Coffs Harbour side, who will also be involved in the quarter-finals.

Rain on the central coast during Christmas will ensure a wicket that has a bit in it for the fast bowlers.

"Even if they had the covers down I would think the pitch would have sweated up a bit," Moran said.

"I'm heading down from Coffs Harbour today (Wednesday) and I'll try and get there to have a bit of a look at it.

"Regardless of the wicket I'm happy because we have a versatile team and guys that can get the job done in any conditions."

The remainder of the Dubbo side left yesterday also, with a team meeting scheduled for last night to go over tactics and plans for certain players.

Moran said such planning had been the key to getting over Parkes in their round four match earlier this month.

"We put a deep cover out for Pat Rosser from ball one because he likes to hit there," Moran said.

"He hit the ball to that spot four or five times early and instead of being 20 or 30, he wasn't scoring as quickly, got bored and got out.

"We will have plans for each player. Simon Moore is the key wicket and we know he likes to hit in the air through mid-wicket and mid-on so we will work on that.

"And Mitch Bower and myself will be opening so we will try to see him off without losing our wickets... or our ribs."