They have another chance to create their own piece of history and go one match further this weekend at Coffs Harbour.

But it will take a combined effort against the best players from around the country in a tournament that doubles as an Australian selection trial.

Coffs Harbour will host next year’s World Cup, so standout performances will be rewarded.

Coach Steve van Gamert has taken particular note of the change in preparation from his team.

Fitness has taken a more dominant part at training, which hadn’t been the case previously.

The girls usually play Wednesday competition Oztag, complete fitness sessions on a Friday and then train Sunday morning with the 45s team.

“We’ve got 16 in the squad and we’ve had at least 15 to training every week, so all the girls have really bought into it,” van Gamert said.

Co-captains Laura Cudmore and Claire Thurlow have provided the leadership and van Gamert expects Cudmore to play an important role.

“Laura has come to all our sessions and then done additional training by herself so without putting too much pressure on her, I’m expecting her to have a big tournament,” he said.

“I’m over the moon at how hard all the girls have trained and you don’t always get what you deserve, but they’ve given themselves the best possible opportunity.”

The coach said the team would have no excuses about their preparation – they have been conditioning themselves for the last three months.

“You have to prepare well because they could play six pool games and then possibly another three finals so that’s nine games in three days,” he said.

“It takes months to condition your body and they’ve put the hard work in.

“The main difference from last year to this year has without doubt been their commitment.”

Mid North Coast’s men’s 45s team will aim for their third-straight national title and seventh of the past eight tournament wins over the weekend.

Association president Greg Smith said the team would face their own challenges, with coach Dave Bradley also expected to run the rule over the rest of the competition.

He has been announced as Australia’s 45s coach for next year’s World Cup, meaning he won’t be able to watch every minute of their games as he has done previously.

“His hard work and effort has been rewarded,” Smith said.

“It just means we’ll have to do the competition largely by ourselves this weekend.”

Smith also plays in the men’s 45s team and admitted it didn’t place any further importance on performing to their potential.

“I don’t think we’ll be worried too much about the World Cup and the selection because we know the whole team can’t be picked,” he said.

“No-one is guaranteed a spot.”