The Bulls will be looking for a fourth successive win on Sunday when they travel to Port Macquarie to take on the Sharks.

Mick Henry, who made a successful return last week after recovering from knee reconstruction surgery will start at nine this week. 

Under 18 captain Toby De Sefano would have stayed at hooker, however, he is out for a week after being concussed in Taree’s 38-8 decision over Wauchope last Sunday.

Henry played an hour of reserve grade against the Blues before taking Henry’s place in first grade. 

His game was then cut short when he suffered a broken nose, but he is right to play this weekend.

“Mick will stay at hooker this week,’’ Bridge said.

“His face is a bit sore, but otherwise he’s okay.’’

However, Bridge hasn’t yet decided where best to utilise the group’s player of the year for 2016, Matt Everitt. 

He was the hooker last season but has played his representative position of five-eighth for the past two games.

“I could move Matt back to hooker and switch Mick to halfback and Todd (Bridge) to five-eighth,’’ Bridge said. “I’ll just have to see what pans out and what’s best for the team.’’

He confirmed that Jake Lauder, who returned to the club last weekend, will start on the bench on Sunday. 

However, Lauder will eventually be used as a centre, partnering Aaron Bayley. 

This will enable Bridge to add Tim Alliston to his forward rotation, which will help counter the loss of Thomas Berry, who is unavailable.

“Jake’s also a handy goal kicker, so he’s a good pick-up,’’ Bridge said.

Lauder was a member of the club’s premiership winning under 18 side last year while he also played some first grade. Bridge added the Bulls are looking to consolidate a place in the top three by securing win number four for the season. 

They currently trail second placed Macleay Valley by two points.

OLD Bar will look to make it three-wins-on-the-trot on a ground that doesn’t have too many fond memories for the club in Group Three Rugby League tomorrow.

The Pirates tackle Wauchope at Wauchope fresh from wins over Forster-Tuncurry and Wingham.

However, Old Bar’s record at the Lank Bain complex isn’t great.

“I remember winning one there a couple of years ago, but apparently the club doesn’t have a real good record there,’’ captain-coach Danny Russell said.

“Some people might read something into that, but I don’t think it really matters.’’

The Pirates will check the fitness of centre Allan McDonald, who was replaced in the second half after injuring his hamstring.

Russell said the Pirates have to build on the last two weeks.

“We’ve got our season rolling now,’’ he said.

The Pirates are now on nine points with four other sides. However, Russell said it is imperative the Pirates improve their ball control.

“Our defence is working pretty well, but our attack is struggling.’’

WINGHAM’S representative second rower Shannon Ellem faces at least one more week on the sidelines and will miss tomorrow’s clash against Macleay Valley in the Group Three Rugby League game at Wingham.

A shoulder injury kept Ellem out of the the past two matches. This included North Coast’s clash with Newcastle under 23s in the Country Championship clash at Cessnock.

“We’ve added Shannon to the injured list,’’ Wingham coach Jamie Moorehead said.

However, the Tigers will have North Coast centre Tim Bridge available for tomorrow. Moorehead said this will cause a minor reshuffle in the backline. Wingham will also have second rower Joel Kliendienst back. His appearances have been limited by work commitments this season.

Otherwise Wingham will field the same side as went down to Old Bar last week at Old Bar.

Wingham goes into the game on the back of three successive losses. The Tigers face the second placed Macleay tomorrow and front runners Port City the following week.

“At least both games are at Wingham and I’m sure the Wingham community will get right behind us,’’ Moorehead said.

He agreed this is an important clash for his side.

“But every game is important,’’ he added.

In the other game this weekend Forster-Tuncurry face a tough assignment against unbeaten competition leaders Port City at Tuncurry on Sunday.

The Hawks have yet to win a match this season although they showed improved form before losing 34-28 to Macleay Valley last weekend.

In contrast the Breakers haven’t really been tested and have run in 206 points in five matches, conceding just 90.

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