And while the constant changes in the lineup continue to make it difficult for the side to build any momentum in the Blowes Clothing Cup, coach Paul Hausia isn't using it as any excuse.

The experienced mentor said roughly 10 players in the senior grades are sidelined by injuries of varying severity at the moment but the biggest thing for him is simply having his side stick to the game plan.

When the Roos have done that there's been success - as shown in wins over Bathurst Bulldogs, Cowra, and Orange City - but Hausia has also seen his side slip away from what's been asked all too regularly.

"We're just inconsistent in some areas," he said of Saturday's reverse fixture against the Bulldogs.

"We need to stick to the strengths in our game. I've said it before, we're not the biggest forward pack in the comp but we're quick and mobile and we need to utilise that against the bigger teams.

"We've got to start playing smarter rugby and play to our strengths. We seem to get caught up in the hype of taking it up to the bigger guys but that's their game style and it plays to their advantage.

"We're not that big so we've got to use the mobility, use the ball, spread it out and that's been a focus this week."

READ ALSO:

- Central West puts a focus on getting more Bullettes to fire

- Skinner and Todhunter full of praise for National Championships

- Hewitt handed 12-month suspension after returning positive test

Another physical battle is expected this weekend when the Roos make the trip to take on Bulldogs.

Bulldogs sit one spot above the Roos on the ladder in fourth spot but they are coming off a heavy 31-5 loss to Orange Emus last weekend.

The Roos scored a morale-boosting 35-29 win over City last time out but there's again been a number of changes to the side.

Filisione Pauta is again out due to rugby league commitments with the Macquarie Raiders while hooker Andy Leatham is also unavailable.

Hamish Gordon is a chance to make his return from injury while in another big boost Joe Nash will start for the first time this weekend.

A major off-season recruit, Nash featured off the bench late on in the win over City and will start on the wing against his former side on Saturday.

Nash has been a useful part of the Roos' brains trust while recovering from a knee injury but Hausia is even more excited to see what the former Central West representative can do on the field.

"We saw a glimpse of it against City and his style of running, he looks like he's just floating across the paddock," Hausia said.

"But his positional play and experience of playing at all levels is going to be an advantage to my guys."

Nash won a premiership with the Bulldogs while he also claimed a New Holland Agriculture Cup title during time with the Parkes Boars.

Nash could potentially have Gordon inside him at outside centre.

More commonly known as a half at the Roos, Gordon should shift a little wider this weekend after Pat Wheatley and Josh Bass impressed in the halves against City this weekend.

"What I saw last weekend, young Josh Bass is a really good ball player, good on his feet, and good defence-wise and kicking-wise," Hausia said.

"He's still a young kid with a lot to learn but I think against Doggies to not interrupt that combination and I think giving Hamish that little more room we won't lose much after losing 'Nons' (Pauta).

"Hamish will maintain that and then having Joe Nash outside him, that's an advantage."

Kick-off at Bathurst's Ashwood Park on Saturday is at 3.15pm.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: