THE Port Macquarie Sharks will have all the motivation they need this weekend to defeat the Old Bar Beach Pirates in the Group 3 elimination semi final.
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The recent announcement of coach Phil Trembath deciding to step down at the end of the season and a huge milestone of one of the club's favourite senior players could give the first grade side the lift they need.
Ben Cudmore will bring up his 100th game for the Sharks making him a life member of the club alongside his father, Pat.
Retiring coach, Trembath, said the Cudmore family have been the backbone of the club for a long time.
"They're a big part of the club," he said.
"Patty's the team manager and I've got Ben in the leadership group I created at the start of the year."
"Ben's important to the team he knows what it takes and knows you've got to contribute Tuesdays and Thursdays.
"He's passionate about the club, he's hard and tough and commands respect."
Trembath said Cudmore was one of the best clubmen he'd come across and hadn't missed a training session all year, even when injured.
"I don't think he's missed one," Trembath said.
"Even when he's injured, he'll come in and do something else like skipping or something that he's able to do."
It's been a long time coming for Cudmore who only needed to play six games this year to bring up his 100 game milestone.
The backrower has been plagued by injuries for a number of years and this year was no different.
"I've had a series of knee injuries that have required operations," he said.
"I've probably only averaged about five or six games a year for the last few years because of it.
"So it's nice to finally bring it up."
Cudmore will be presented with his 100 jersey by the club this weekend when his beloved Sharks take on the Old Bar Beach Pirates.
Trembath said Cudmore and the rest of the team have what it takes to beat the Pirates and continue their run toward a grand final appearance.
"They showed me they were hungry enough last week when they beat Wingham," he said.
"They have a few key men in some key positions but we just need to worry about our game."
The game will be played at Old Bar tomorrow with kick off at 3pm.