As the Dolphins still search for their elusive first win of the season, the coach believes this Saturday’s clash with Central Coast is their most important so far.

Port Macquarie have had two weeks to reflect on a 68-point belting from Hills Hornets on June 2 that Champion labelled a step backwards.

Now, he’s looking for a response against the Crusaders as the Dolphins return home.

“I want to see progression in terms of attitude and mental toughness because in our last game we weren’t tough enough,” Champion said.

“It was a case of us going out there knowing we weren’t as good as them rather than wanting to go out and make a good account of ourselves.

“We just didn’t turn up.”

​The coach, however, has been pleased with his teams performances on their home court and he expects this weekend to be no different.

“It’s important how you back up from a touch-up and respond to it so I’ll be interested to see how we go,” he said.

“It’s a really important game for our development.”

Central Coast claimed a comfortable 99-58 victory the last time the two sides met on April 14.

“In our previous games at home we’ve been cutting the results in half from our away trips,” Champion said.

Tip-off on Saturday is at 6pm.