The Bushpigs fielded an undermanned team in their 67-point loss to Northern Jets last round but should get some relief on Saturday.

Sam Balding, pending fitness, should come into first grade, while Tom Falvey and Josh Fountain are two others that will return.

CSU have been much more competitive this season but coach Ash Weldon is not satisfied yet.

“We’ve improved a little bit, our first halves have been good,” Weldon said.

“We’ve been two or three goals down or thereabouts but then they kick away a bit in the second half.

“There has been a bit of improvement but there is a lot to go, which is the exciting thing.”

Weldon puts the second half fade outs down to mindset, not fitness.

“I think it’s more mental,” he said.

“Most teams are copping a revving at half-time, you’re playing CSU and only just in front, then they come out and kick the first couple of goals and our heads go down.”

Weldon knows North Wagga will be strong and is going to focus on their ruck strength.

“I watched Jeremy Luff play on the weekend and he tore it apart,” he said.

“We’ll have to work things in the midfield a touch defensively but if we play our natural game and stick to our structures, I’ll be happy.”