Back to lead the team for a “must win” game against Temora at Laurie Daley Oval on Sunday, Hands says Junee has a firm goal of making the Group Nine finals in August.

“We’re not sitting great on the ladder, but I don’t think we’ve probably been credit,” Hands said on Thursday.

“We haven’t had a full side on the paddock all year; probably the closest was in round one.”

Nine weeks ago, the Diesels opened the season with a 13-try massacre of Cootamundra, but they have won only one game since.

And consequently, Junee is seventh on premiership list and four points astray of the top five.

Turning the clock back, the Diesels were second on the ladder at the same stage in 2015 and 2016 – and wound up second and third respectively at the end of the 18 rounds.

Knockers have blamed the dip on the loss of Peter Little, Will Merritt, Pat Sagigi and Connor McCauley, but Hands is adamant the team is just finding their feet.

“Obviously we’re a new side and still coming together,” Hands said.

“It’s just going to take a little time yet.”

Despite Junee’s precarious spot, Hands has his sights set squarely on the playing in the finals.

“Definitely,” he said.

“We know how close the comp is and there are a lot of games that will go either way.

“There’s a long way to go and we’re definitely looking at the fourth of fifth spots.”

Heading into the mouth-watering duel with the Dragons on Sunday, Hands admits the result will be critical for both teams.

“It’s must win or we slip down (the table),” he said.

“They’re (Temora) in the same boat.”

Although the Dragons are coming off a stirring 26-24 victory over Gundagai last week, they are eighth on the ladder, but only points-differential behind Junee.

Significantly, the Diesels lost 22-18 to the Tigers on May 6 before edging Tumbarumba 30-26 last Sunday.

After missing the latest success, Hands is razor keen to get a crack at Temora, a team for which he has the utmost respect.

“They’ve got a strong pack and good halves,” he said.

“Nathan McGowan and Sam Elwin are good players.”

Along with his brother Cameron Hands, the Junee skipper will confront McGowan and Elwin in a bristling halves battle for supremacy.

Kiwi imports Matti Tuitama and Fale Malse will play their second games for Junee on Sunday, adding much needed “bit of size” to the lightweight team.

Tuitama will replace injured Aiden Sweeney (ankle) in the backs, while Malse will come off the bench again.