But, statistics reveal the first grade outfit is capable of clinching the title in 2008 – even as they start their walk along the sudden-death tightrope this weekend.

Although the Orara Valley Axemen finished on top of the ladder, the Sharks have the arsenal to trouble them, and fellow play-off combatants Woolgoolga Sea Horses, Dunghutti Broncos and Sawtell Panthers on any given day.

That theory will be put to the test tomorrow when Port Macquarie locks horns with the Panthers in the preliminary minor semi-final at the Regional Sports Stadium.

After 18 rounds, the Sharks sit second in pointscoring ability (672 compared to Orara Valley’s 731), first in defence (21 points better than their nearest rival) and finished runner-up to the Axemen in percentages – a mere 5.06% in arrears.

“That shows we’re capable of matching every side,” Port Macquarie co-coach Kristian Murphy said.

“However, numbers don’t count for anything at this end of the year.

“It’s what happens on the field that matters.

“We have to remain focused on the task at hand.”

And, to that end, the Sharks will turn to their talented backline to spark the side’s attack tomorrow.

From fullback Josh Mann to wingers Caleb Sallusitio and Matt Doherty, centres Joel Asher and Addam Greenaway to playmakers Clinton Foot, Walter Hati and Aaron Ison, the local side boasts experience, skill and speed.

“I’m expecting the boys to take on the Panthers in the backs,” Sharks football operations manager Les Murphy said.

“Sawtell is a very physical team – and it would be silly to play them up the middle.

“Even though we’ve got some good forwards of our own, we also have a lot of strike power out wide.

“With Walter (Hati) and Clinton (Foot) in the halves, the backs can expect quality ball on the weekend.

“Joel (Asher) and Addam (Greenaway) have moulded into a strong centre combination, while Caleb (Sallustio) and Matt (Doherty) are quick wingers.

“Josh (Mann), at fullback, is as safe as the Bank of England.

“And, Buzz (Ison) gives us another attacking option.”

The first game on the program, Woolgoolga v Macleay Valley, kicks off at 11.30am.

Port Macquarie Sharks

First grade - Josh Mann (c), Caleb Sallustio, Joel Asher, Addam Greenaway, Matt Doherty, Walter Hati, Clinton Foot, Josh Cale, Joe Cudmore, Matt Blake, Adrian Daley jnr, Michael Bright, Ben Cudmore; Jeremy Lang, Kurt Molony, Anthony Shipway, Aaron Ison, Ray Shipway, Nathan Maher

Under 18s –Tai Heta, Scott Gallagher, Shane Anttilla, Jake Law, Chris Turnham, Addam Greenaway, Jake Green, Ben Read, Adam Coote, Dan Smith, Carl Jones, Eddie O’Brien, Mitch Lawrence; Brodi Barnett, Michael McKinnon, Dameon Osborne

Reserve grade - Matt Webber, Corey Gwyther, Ray Shipway, Shane Powell, Andrew Cousins, Nick McCabe, Chris Green, Nathan Maher, James Kelly, Clint McCabe, Andrew Gudgeon, Chase Brock, Danny Graham; Eric Coote, Scott Spurrier, Damian Carter, Tom Sherd, Bob Davidson, Nick Brooks, Caleb Sallustio, Adrian Daley jnr

Group 2 semi-finals

Tomorrow @ Regional Sports Stadium, Port Macquarie

Reserve grade: Woolgoolga v Macleay Valley

Under 18s: Macksville v Orara Valley

First grade: Port Macquarie v Sawtell

Sunday @ Woolgoolga

Reserve grade: Port Macquarie v Coffs Harbour

Under 18s: Port Macquarie v Macleay Valley

First grade: Woolgoolga v Dunghutti