Age not a barrier for Matt Pike in return to field

Over a decade after he last played for the club, Pike will come off the bench as Kangaroos look to overturn their previous two losses to Young on Saturday.

The 41-year-old wasn't expecting a return to first grade but is looking to make the most of his shot.

"I just got itchy feet again and wanted to see if I could handle it," Pike said.

"I wanted to get fit and it's just good to be part of a team.

"I was just going to training to get fit first and then if I could handle it I would play.

"I'm enjoying it and enjoying being back part of a team."

Pike hadn't played a game since his last appearance with Tullibigeal Lakes United in 2017.

However he went straight into first grade when coming off the bench in the Wagga side's 36-22 loss to Young last month and has played in their last two games.

Coach Simon Woolford has been pleased with his impact.

"He's getting better every week and off limited preparation he's doing a decent job for us," Woolford said.

"At the moment, even with his limited preparation, he's in our best 17 at this stage."

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His experience is one thing Woolford believes the side really needs.

"We're quite young at the moment and in a few games this year we've beaten ourselves so he adds a lot to our squad," he said.

Kangaroos will get another crack at the Cherrypickers after conceding 30 unanswered second half points to fall to a 36-22 loss at Laurie Daley Oval.

Pike believes the performance shows just how much the fifth-placed side need to improve their consistency.

"We've got a lot of work to do but if we can worry about our game and not Young's game we will get a lot closer," Pike said.

"We just have to play 80 minutes of football not 40.

"That's the challenge."

With Jake Mascini still out with a hamstring issue, Timoci Vatubuli will shift to fullback.

It will allow Liam Fitzsimmons to return to the halves.

Woolford hopes a bit of continuity will be a boost as the sides treads their path in the competition.

"We're still trying to find that consistent combination in the halves," he said.

"I've tinkered with it and we keep trying to simplify things on the field so we can get into some sort of groove."

Luke Ingram is expected to play after a shoulder injury in the big loss to Tumut.

Kangaroos couldn't match it with the Blues, suffering a 36-4 loss, however Woolford wasn't disappointed with their effort and it's something he's looking to repeat at Equex Centre.