PORT Macquarie Pirates coach Nigel Hurlston is confident his charges can knock off the high flying Hastings Valley Vikings tomorrow.
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In what has been one of the area's fiercest rivalries in recent years the Pirates meet a confident Vikings outfit celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.
But Hurlston is just as confident in his side's abilities especially after coming off a top performance last week.
He said his side did not concede a point in the second half against a rampaging Kempsey outfit.
"We were under a lot of pressure but we held them out," he said.
"That showed me that the boys are really fighting for each other.
"They dug deep and showed a lot of character.
"Our defence was on point and we are going to need it to be again this weekend against the big Vikings pack."
The coach said he expects it to be war on Stuart Park from the opening whistle.
"Against some other teams you warm into the contest but against these guys its full on from the opening whistle so we've got to be on our game from the very start.
"If you switch off for a minute they will punish you.
"But there's never much in these games, its usually very close."
And in a close contest Hurlston said he would be looking to Jacob Law to stand up.
"He's the game winner in those situations, if he's confident, switched on and playing well, we play well," he said.
On the other hand the Pirates will be watching the likes of Hamish McCormack for the Vikings.
"As an all round package, he's the one we need to watch."