IT is a case of gain a couple and lose a couple for the Dubbo Kangaroos as they prepare to take on Blowes Clothing Cup leaders Orange City on Saturday.
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The arrivals of Filisione Pauta, Hena Tuatea and Anthony Golding in recent weeks have give the Roos a real boost in their quest to defend the title they won last season.
But on the eve of their clash with powerhouse City they were dealt a blow with the news Josh Tremain hasn't quite recovered enough from his shoulder injury to return against his former club while James Gilmour has also been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Combined with the fact star front-rower Benn Wright is away on NSW Country duty and the already difficult task of defeating the powerhouse City side at home becomes even more challenging.
Coach Vince Gordon knows Saturday's game is a crunch one for his side with the Roos currently sitting in fifth spot but the confidence taken from recent wins over Mudgee and Narromine has the camp in a positive mood.
"We've got a big task in front of us to come from where we are to get into the semis and make a charge," he said.
"We're on the up and up and that's a good thing and we're training well and there's a good vibe around the place."
While Pauta and co have helped the Roos improve another big reason behind the upturn in form has been Joe Finch's move to flyhalf.
With one of the best forward packs in the competition in front of him, Finch and scrumhalf James Mata have been able to help steer the side around and provide plenty of service to the new-look backline.
"The forwards have still got to provide that go forward for the backs and they need good communication between them and Joey Finch is doing a good job of that and so is James (Mata) at nine," Gordon said.
"He's (Finch) a newbie but is going well. We're working towards having no real heroes and being a solid team that allows the individual brilliance to shine if it's given a chance."
Gordon played down the threat of City at Pride Park despite the Lions' record of not having lost a game at home this season.
Their own backline has been on fire with the likes of Joe Lasagavibau at the back one of the competition's standouts while the battle between Pauta and opposite number Jake Davis will be one to behold.
"But I'm expecting nothing different to going there or every other time you go to Bathurst, Orange against Emus or Cowra," Gordon said, before joking about the expected freezing temperatures.
"They'll all give you the same thing and a winter's day in Orange, I'm sure it will be a beautiful day."
The Roos and Orange City meet at Pride Park tomorrow at 3.15pm.
