One will play three in the Townsville District Rugby League A Grade competition this weekend when the first-placed Brothers are hosted by the third-placed Herbert River in Ingham.
Both sides will be champing at the bit to get out for a run, with Brothers having not played for three weeks due to a bye, while the split round has allowed Herbert River to have two weeks of rest.
Brothers coach Dave Ackers said he believed the rest wasn't what his side needed as they got into the groove of week-to-week footy.
"It's probably come at the wrong time because we had been playing some pretty good footy leading into that three-week break," Ackers said.
We'll just be looking to get in the grind and hopefully find our rhythm
Dave Ackers
"Hopefully we can hit the ground running again but the three-week break sort of puts a halt to the momentum we had but we'll just be looking to get in the grind and hopefully find our rhythm."
Ackers was also concerned about Herbert River's powerful forward pack and how it would be directed around the park by halfback Mitchell Seri.
"They've just got a good all-round team, they've got a quality halfback that's won more best and fairest medals in the Townsville comp than anyone else ever," he said.
"He's an experienced player and a good player Mitchell Seri, if we can try and contain their forwards and limit his and Aaron Solari opportunities in the halves we'll put ourselves in a good position late in the game."
There's no easy game against Brothers
Mitch Seri
Seri, the Herbert River captain and coach, was doubtful that the time off would have done anything to blunt the Brothers' attack, and knew his side needed to be ready for them.
"There's no easy game against Brothers and I think Sunday will be much the same," Seri said.
"They're a pretty good team across the paddock and they've got a pretty big forward pack so I think if we can sort of match their forwards in the middle there I think that will go a long way to getting a win on Sunday."
Match details
Herbert River v Brothers
3pm
HR Crushers Club Ground
Fairford Rd, Ingham
