It has been a while since the Blacks have been able to beat their local rivals and they will also be heading into the game knowing it would be their third win in a row if they were able to take the points.

Coach Craig Morriss knows there is plenty riding on a positive result this weekend.

"We can't afford to take anything other than a win this weekend," he said.

"For both sides this weekend it could be a season-defining game.

"They are back to one squad which will probably strengthen their side, but they have some good players so it will be a tough game.

"We haven't beaten them in three or four seasons so it would be good to get one over them."

The Blacks are coming into the game off the back of a strong performance against Tumut which left Morriss feeling proud of his side.

"To win away and take down one of the top four sides was really pleasing," he said.

"We had been able to get close earlier in the season, so to get over the line finally was great."

Morriss was also proud to point out the gains the club has made throughout the seasons to have full teams to away trips such as a trip to Tumut.

"We had 40 players make the trip last weekend which meant there were full teams with subs for all grades," he said.

"This was something that hasn't happened in the past. But it has been happening more and more this season like our trips to Waratahs and CSU.

"If you turn up with the right attitude and commitment, you can come away with the result that is needed."

Morriss has seen the commitment of the players in his squad and feels this will get them into the right position come the end of the season.

"They are all hitting form at the right time," he said.

"The guys are doing their own fitness work before training and turning up 45 minutes before we start to put in some extra work."

The Blacks will be heading into the game with a largely unchanged line-up with the only doubt being over forward Chris Latu who may miss the game due to work commitments.

The action will get underway at 1.20pm on the back ovals at Exies with the third-grade clash between the Blacks and Hay Cutters before the Women's 10s clash between the Dianas and Griffith kicks off at 2.30pm while the first-grade game kicks off at 3.20pm.

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