The Mallee Men have racked up four wins from their past five appearances to romp into finals contention.

The Waratahs had gone on a three-match winning streak before TLU burst their bubble last week and now sit two points behind West Wyalong.

It’s not quite do or die for West Wyalong yet but that hasn’t stopped the side from taking that mindset into matches over the past month.

“We’ve done that for that last few weeks. Since we lost to Lakes we thought we had to win every game and that’s how we’ve attacked them,” West Wyalong co-coach Mark Wood said.

For the Waratahs the match is a must-win with the side’s two closest rivals on the ladder, West Wyalong and the fifth-placed Black and Whites – who sit four points in front of the Waratahs – guaranteed points in round 14 and 15 with byes.

However, playing into the side’s favour is the expected clear skies on Saturday.

Whilst it will aid both sides’ ball handling, the Waratahs – who love to offload and move the ball freely –  haven’t dealt with the wet weather very well.

Errors saw them slump to 24-0 down last week before finding their feet to just fall short 30-24.

“In the first 40 minutes against Lakes, we dropped a lot of ball and they just seemed to get the luck of the bounce most of the time,” Waratahs coach Kose Lelei said.

“50-50 calls went their way as well but that’s football.

“We’ll have to be on this week against West Wyalong, they are going to be tough, especially at home.”

Lelei himself was on song last round with three tries to his name.

Lelei would be one of just many Waratahs that West Wyalong would need to shut down.

The Mallee Men have their own men in form with Wood noting a string of players who have been in good touch.

“Sam Basham is always solid in the middle with Timmy Dore,” Wood said.

“Aaron Duncan and Craig Iverach are starting to hit form.

“Craig scored a few tries last week, it’s good to see him back to his best after injuring his knee and Aaron Duncan has had one of the best years I’ve seen him play.”