While they've consistently shown encouraging form and 2019 was always going to be a tough campaign the Eagles have still lost six on the trot, and things won't get any easier in Saturday's 16^th round when they welcome the competition leaders to Orange.

The Eagles host the ladder-leading Sutherland Sharks at Sir Neville Howse Stadium on Saturday night and while he knows it's going to be a tough outing, Orange guard Kobe Mansell said his side will relish the challenge.

They have done all season, and he said he's loved the opportunity to play at this level for his home town, having played for the Bathurst Goldminers in previous seasons.

"It's good getting around the boys, we're loving it," he said.

Mansell has been sinking points like nobody's business for the Eagles, top-scoring for his side in most matches and averaging almost 20 points a game so far this season, with skipper Mitch Selwood the next best at around the 15 mark.

Selwood's lauded Mansell on more than one occasion this year, saying a few weeks ago his his bad games and good games haven't been far apart, which is an excellent sign for a youngster.

The point guard himself said he's enjoyed "having a solid role in the team", but backed his teammates for getting the ball to him in key spots to allow him to execute.

Execution across the board is the Eagles' focus this week, with Mansell flagging the side's need to get their plays and passing down pat as they face the "tough" challenge of the Sharks.

However, it will all prove part of the learning experience, with Mansell excited by not so much his improvement but the improvement of the side and "building as a team".

The side takes on Sutherland from 6.30pm at Sir Neville Howse Stadium.

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