PORT Macquarie Sharks fullback Harley Gore has had a stop-start season.
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Injuries at the beginning of 2016 ensured it has taken a while for the Sharks custodian to return to full fitness.
But with the finals only three weeks away, coach Joe Cudmore believes his number one is back on track.
“He’s had issues with injuries recently, but when he’s on there aren’t too many players better than him in the competition,” he said.
Gore will play a vital role as the Sharks attempt to win back-to-back premierships.
On paper the clash with Macleay Valley on Sunday at Regional Stadium looks like an easy three points for the hosts.
The Mustangs have lost their last five games in a row and leaked plenty of points in the process to slip out of contention for the finals.
Cudmore knows the Kempsey-based side are better than recent form indicates.
“They scored 20 points in about 12 minutes last time we played them up there so that shows what they’re capable of,” he said.
“We won’t be taking them easy, that’s for sure.”
The Sharks will be at full-strength minus fullback Jake Green and Cudmore.
Green is possibly gone for the year with a bulging disc in his back.
First grade kicks off at 3.15pm on Sunday.