The Dubbo Kangaroos are missing two of their most "influential" figures for this weekend's crucial clash with Cowra, but winger Tim Beach feels his side is perfectly placed to cover for them.
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In an ideal world, players the stature and ability of McHugh and Baldwin would be on hand for such an important match but the leading duo will miss the fixture at No. 1 Oval due to NSW Country representative commitments.
The Roos need a win over the Eagles to keep alive their hopes for a top three finish and hosting rights for the minor semi-final.
The Dubbo side is currently fourth, six points behind the third-placed Cowra with just two rounds remaining.
"It's the first thing that comes to mind, we've got two crucial players up front out," Beach said.
"They're two of our most inspirational in terms of leadership.
"With those key players out it's up to the blokes underneath them to step up."
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And Beach pinpointed exactly who he feels will be the ones to cover for the massive losses.
Will Archer has been another standout in the forward pack this season and much has been made of his impact in his first season with the Roos, while Chris O'Shea has been going about his work without as much fanfare.
The pair have been among the side's best week in, week out and Beach expects another strong showing on Saturday.
"Will Archer has been one of our most consistent and he can step up in terms of leadership, and hopefully we can continue doing what we've done in recent weeks," Beach said, before touching on the versatile O'Shea.
"He's been one of the most underestimated this year. He's one of the smaller blokes but he carries his weight and is just a workhorse.
"A lot of people don't see him when there's blokes like Archer, 'Baldy', and 'Macca' but he works twice as hard."
O'Shea played at the side of the scrum last week and scored a double in the emphatic and morale-boosting win over Orange City.
The effort of he and his fellow forwards helped set the platform for the likes of Beach, but the winger said a lot of credit also had to go to young fullback Zarrin Galea for his hard-running and straightening of the attack.
The ability of they and others to find another gear on Saturday will be key to finding another win, but attitude will also be a major factor.
"Belief and intensity. That's what can win us games," Beach said, last week being one of the side's most consistent performances.
Having the belief to beat the sides above them, particularly runaway leaders Bathurst Bulldogs and Orange Emus, is vital at this "business time" of the season.
"We've spoke about it at training and it's been about setting small goals," Beach said.
"Our goal now is to finish third and host the minor semi-final against Cowra. That would be our ideal situation."
Beach added he was hopeful of seeing a big crowd on hand at No. 1 Oval on Saturday for the club's last home game of the regular season.
It will also be the Kangaroos' sponsors' day.
Kick-off in first grade is 3.15pm.