They will play host to the Kempsey Cannonballs tomorrow at Stuart Park, knowing they stuck to their game plan last week and came away with the spoils.

"We wanted to keep a clean sheet on the weekend and we did that," Coach Nigel Hurlston said.

Last weekend the Pirates beat the Snappers 24-0, scoring four tries in the romp which impressed the coach and gave all the players a shot in the arm leading into the finals.

Although the sun wasn't shining on Coffs Harbour that day, the Pirates played to the conditions better and came away gleeming.

"The conditions were shocking last weekend but we were able to dominate the whole game in a real good performance," he said.

"We have rockets of confidence at the moment and the boys are all in high spirits."

Nick Hurlston is out for the season due to appendicitis which adds to the clubs somewhat gathering injury list, but it isn't affecting their mindset.

Although they may be expected to take the foot off the pedal this weekend knowing their fate is secured, that won't be the case according to the coach.

"The pressure's off us as we've cemented second spot, so now it's all about gaining momentum, building the structure and keeping the confidence up," he said.

Given the fact they sit second, it means they will now take on the Hastings Valley Vikings in a major semi-final next weekend.

"We play the Vikings next weekend so really we need to put in a good performance this week against Kempsey to build into that," he said.

"It will be a tough match this weekend and even tougher next weekend so we are just looking to build towards the finals."

The Pirates first grade team kick off at 3pm on Saturday at Stuart Park.