READYING for the rigours of the Group Nine finals, Kangaroos coach Adam Hall believes tomorrow's clash with Cootamundra at Equex Centre could be a perfect "stepping stone".
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Hall yesterday revealed he had the utmost confidence Roos had the strength and power to match it with the premiership big three - Albury, Southcity and Gundagai.
"I don't think there's any reason to doubt we can't cope," Hall said yesterday.
"We had physical game against Brothers last week, and Temora was also pretty physical before that.
"I was actually proud of way we handle things last week.
"We were probably pretty restrained."
Coming off a bitter and brutal victory over Brothers, Roos must now contend with the bruising Bulldogs in another expected rugged duel.
Two games away from the finals, Roos are virtually assured of finishing no worse than fifth, while Cootamundra seems destined to wind up sixth.
Hall, however, knows a victory for Roos tomorrow will secure fifth, but a loss will leave the team to beat winless Tumut to snatch the last position in the finals.
Taking stock yesterday, Hall made it clear he wanted Roos to storm into the final five, rather than limp.
"If we win we cement our spot," he said.
"That's the aim, and that's what we want to achieve."
As Hall savours the prospect of shooting for the Group Nine title in September, Cootamundra co-coach Mark Elia is almost resigned to missing the boat.
Ruing "long-term injuries" to Luke Berkrey and Grant Miller, Elia yesterday said the Bulldogs were already looking to 2015.
"It's been a disappointing end to season for us," Elia said.
"We haven't been able to put our best side on the paddock since round two when we were able to beat Southcity 28-18.
"The long term injuries to Luke Berkrey and Grant Miller were the final nails in our coffin.
"But, no excuses, everybody has injuries."
Despite the grim outlook, Elia said Cootamundra would not give Roos a armchair ride to the finals.
"We"re hoping to be competitive in our last couple games," he said.
"Roos will be very tough ... they will be looking forward to possibly playing in the semis.
"They seem to be in good form, but we've got nothing to lose.
"There is definitely the opportunity there for players to stake a claim for next season."
In the only team change this week, fullback Tom Webb will return for Roos as Ethan Gaffney stays in the centre.
