THE Bega Rooster’s first grade side will face a stern test this weekend when they take on premiership favourites Cooma in round nine of the Group 16 rugby league competition.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 2pm on Sunday at the Cooma Showground, with Bega entering the match as clear underdogs against the in-form Stallions outfit.

The Roosters enter the match requiring a victory to give the side any hope of making this year’s finals series.

Despite the underdog status, Rooster’s coach Mitch Creary is “feeling confident about a win”.

“The extended break hasn’t been ideal preparation, but the boys have been training really hard so I’m backing them to cause an upset,” he said.

“We certainly think that Cooma is beatable, everyone in the team is fit right now so we’re fully prepared for the match.”

Prior to the break, the side was on a three game losing streak and they will be aiming to rectify that form this weekend.

The Stallions suffered the upset of the season last round when they went down to an inspired Moruya team, 36-28.

The loss was their first of the season and the Roosters will be hoping to exploit some chinks in the Cooma armour.

The Roosters will look again to key players Justin Elliot, Brendan Kidd and “Scrubber” Jessop to lead the way up front.

The battle with Cooma’s forward pack promises to be intriguing, with the ability to lay a platform for their speedy backline being a strong point for both sides

In the backline, Deon Apps has stepped up a level this year for the Roosters, proving to be a valuable try-scoring asset.

The last time these two teams met was in round two this season, where the Roosters were outplayed by a classy Stallions outfit 36-16.

“This is a must win game for us to keep our finals chances alive for this season,” Creary said.

TIP: Roosters by 6 points.