The Hawks will be out to end a three-game losing streak against Temora but will have to do so without young guns Luke Cuthbert and Fynn De Bono.

The pair both were injured in last Saturday’s 38-point loss to North Wagga and look set for extended periods on the sidelines.

There were fears Cuthbert broke his collarbone but he received good news this week.

“We don’t know the exact prognosis yet but it’s definitely not broken,” Hard said.

“I’d say he will miss a few weeks.

“Fynn was getting scans on his ankle (on Wednesday) but we’re pretty sure there is no break. We don’t know exactly about him yet but I don’t think he’ll play this week.”

Cuthbert and De Bono join Brenton Roberts, Joe Banks, James Hodges and Ben Absolum on EWK’s injured list.

Absolum won’t return this season but Hard hopes to get the remainder back in coming weeks.

Ash Hard (illness) will return for the trip to Nixon Park in a game that will have a big say on who finishes in third spot.

Temora sit one game clear of the Hawks in third but have a more difficult run into finals after Saturday, that includes a game against North Wagga.

Both teams have not been at their best. Temora were upset by Charles Sturt University last Saturday, while the Hawks come in on the back of three straight losses.

“It’s been a tough three weeks where things haven’t really gone to plan,” Hard said.

“It’s a big game as far as four points go.”

Hard concedes a top three finish is important if the Hawks are to challenge for the premiership.

“It’s definitely hard to win it from outside the top three and it’s obviously a massive advantage getting the double chance,” he said.

“We’ve dropped a few important games but our aim is to play finals and we’re still on track to do that.

“There is still a lot of footy to play out and we’ll keep trying to do our best with the cards we’ve been dealt.”

Hard said the positive of the injuries is that it gives more opportunities to some of the Hawks’ under 17s, who are on top of the ladder.

“We’ll keep playing kids and learn more about our group,” he said.

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