Rosborough was kept quiet in his side's last round clash with defending premier Queanbeyan, shooting a poor percentage and contributing just 10 points in the 81-75 loss.

But Cullen was quick to take the blame for Rosborough's lacklustre performance.

"Realistical ly, he's played two very good games for us and had just one bad half," Cullen said.

"And that was because of a coaching error from me ... I had him out there too long and I knew he wasn't at the right fitness level yet."

Cullen said tonight's match against Illawarra was shaping to be a critical game for the Demons, who have made a 2-1 start to the State League season.

"They're a new side but my sources tell me they're pretty strong," he said.

"They lost to Queanbeyan but beat Wagga and I'm assuming they're the next toughest team in the comp next to Queanbeyan.

"If we play well, though, we have every chance of winning.

"We just need to do what we do ... get out there and hit the boards, run the floor and shoot well from beyond the arc."

Small forward Dean Spratt remains under an injury cloud for the match while Wayne Salvestro is not expected to make the road trip due to work commitments.

The Demons starting five will be Leon Rosborough, Nick Cullen, Mick Duncan, Adam O'Callaghan and Andrew Cullen.