THE Bega Roosters first grade side will be playing to keep their season alive when they take on the Moruya Sharks in the minor semi-final of the Group 16 rugby league competition.

The match is scheduled to kick-off at 2pm on Sunday at the Ack Weyman Oval in Moruya, with a Bega loss meaning they can look forward to next year.

Both sides will enter the contest refreshed after receiving a bye in the final round of the regular home and away season.

Previous to the bye, the Roosters had shown strong form in winning three matches straight, with their last encounter, an easy win over the Bombala Blue Heelers, 50-20.

Bega has not played finals football since 2002, so, after finishing third on the ladder, the Sharks should enter the contest as favourites with the punters.

The sides have had a win each against each other this season with the Sharks getting the points 35-28 early in the season, while the Roosters prevailed 32-24 at home.

The Roosters will look to key forwards Kale and Dayne Burton to lead the sides defence against the Tigers.

Kale in particular has had a standout season and is one of the favourites to collect the best and fairest award.

Roosters’ coach Mitch Creary agrees but adds Kane Morgan to the list of forwards ready to fire.

“If Kane and the others can keep us going forward we’re in with a big chance,” he said.

“But we’ll need to complete our sets and not turn the ball over.”

Creary said his team had a lot of flair in the backs and didn’t have a problem scoring points during the year, but their defence had been a problem on occasions.

Fullback “Scrubber” Jessop has excelled since making the move from the forward pack and will look for various scoring opportunities along with centre Dion Apps, who has been touted as the best player in the competition.

The halves combination of Matt Blacka and teenage star Dale Finucane has blossomed this season, combining strong defence with aggressive flair.

The form shown by the pair will be integral to the outcome of the match.

Creary said he was expecting a very tough game.

“The Sharks are strong right across the park so it will be a big test for us,” he said.

“And we need to show the same commitment and enthusiasms as we did last time we played them.”

Although the Roosters enter this match as underdogs they should lift for Sunday’s contest.

The match promises to be highly entertaining and should be very close, but the Roosters should be able to do enough to get home.

TIP: Bega Roosters by 8 points.