It’s easy to see why, as well.

There was a real sense of optimism and excitement at Westside went Gordon and Matt Naden were named as joint captain-coaches for this season and that only grew when the Rabbitohs began the year well and got to fifth on the ladder.

But since then it has been a struggle for the side with a host of injuries, most notably Naden’s season-ending torn bicep, off-field commitments and some internal issues seeing the Rabbitohs’ finals hopes fading fast.

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Nyngan is fifth while Macquarie, the side Westside plays on Sunday, is just one point off the Rabbitohs in seventh.

“It is frustrating, especially with the position we’re in and the run home Nyngan has,” Gordon said, the Tigers facing three of the top four sides in the final four rounds.

“But, like I said, if I don’t bite the bullet and teach the boys a lesson then there’s not much point.”

After dropping players for failing to train and commit last week things remain the same, while some players are also to miss the clash with the Raiders due to work commitments.

The Rabbitohs lost 74-4 at Nyngan last weekend and Gordon confessed his side will need luck to go its way against the Raiders.

“The young fellas have got to get a go for the effort they’re putting in and I’d rather go out and lose with those who are training and working rather than those who aren’t,” Gordon said.

Action starts at 11am with league tag.