Despite being one game away from returning to the grand final, the inspirational leader believes injuries and unavailability have combined to hold his side back from reaching their lofty standards.

“It’s been hard this year, trying to build combinations with guys out,” he said.

Waratahs did not have a near-full strength side to choose from until a fortnight ago, James Daley and Austin Wallace among those forced to sit out.

“We’ve been close to full strength the last couple of weeks, but the downfall of the team coming together so late is that we haven’t had time to gel.

“But we’re getting better every week.”

Corcoran said the wealth of experience of the reigning premiers could serve as a major boost when crunch time arrives on the weekend.

“It can definitely help having that bit of experience,” he said.

“As long as we don’t let what the club has done in the past make us complacent.

“We have to stay focused on this weekend and this weekend only, that’s all that matters, and if we don’t that’s when things can go pear-shaped.”

Waratahs will face Wagga City in the preliminary final on Saturday.

A win would earn them the right to face Leeton in the grand final, a side which outclassed them 66-27 in the major semi at Leeton No.1 Oval on Saturday.

The Wagga-based side knows exactly what it needs to do to bounce back into winning form and book its ticket to Leeton.

“They key for us really is to have control of the ball and just build that pressure,” Corcoran said.

“But when we let our opponents control that ball, we end up having to make too many tackles and it puts the pressure right back on us.

“We want to play more of an attacking style and have shown that in previous weeks.

“If we play our game I’m confident we’ll win.”