The two teams are on opposite ends of the scale standings wise, with the Lions second having only lost one game, while the students languish in eighth spot with two wins and four losses.

“CSU are unpredictable this year,” Hamson said

“They’ve had varied results, they got 50 put on them in the first couple of rounds but from all accounts were unlucky not to beat Dubbo last weekend who smashed us. We’ve had plenty of success down there, but they’re a team we definitely need to be wary of.”

The students were beaten by over a half ton in rounds one and two, before hitting their straps somewhat with wins over Mudgee and Parkes. Last week, CSU goal kicker Tom Pegler went agonisingly close to securing the upset win of the season, but missed three penalty shots in the dying stages of the game. Dubbo won by two points.

“We need to treat CSU with respect, they’re dangerous because they’re unpredictable,” Hamson said.

“We still have about 30 or 40 per cent improvement in us I think. Our defensive attitude is back [to its best], but we still give away too many penalties at the breakdown. I think we just need to play a little smarter. Not kick so much, not take those one-out options of the back of rucks and make sure we aren’t rushing things. We need to make sure we’re taking the right options in terms of kicking or running especially, because CSU are very good on counter-attack.

“They can hurt you in any broken play situation.”

The Lions go into the clash with two changes: Chris Senior moves back to second grade, with Harry Collins taking his place, while Jackson Coote replaces the absent Jake Davis. 

Orange City and CSU Bathurst will kick off at 3.15pm at University Oval.

ORANGE CITY LIONS: 1 Scott Smith, 2 Josh Tremain, 3 Harry Collins, 4 Mitchell Pearce, 5 Chris Barrett, 6 Duncan Young, 7 Gus Brotherton, 8 Josh Maley, 9 Nick Quinn, 10 Mesui Lemoto, 11 Tom Fisher, 12 Tatafu Na’aniumotu, 13 Jackson Coote, 14 Sam Powell, 15 Sam Dwyer.