Already missing captain-coach Ben Kirkland to health concerns, the Sharks will also be without Mitch and Koby Smith, along with Kurt Molony and halfback Josh Dwyer.

In their absence, Kirkland hopes his inexperienced side can follow the lead set by regular stars Joey Cudmore, James Kelly and Scott Grant.

"With so much experience out, we'll look for them to step up," Kirkland said.

"James Kelly has been really good for us this year and Scott Grant is probably our toughest forward out there.

"We probably lack a little bit of size at the moment, but our starting pack is right up there."

It continues an interrupted start to the season which has not seen the Sharks field the same side in the first three weeks.

"We're without our halfback who was starting to gain some confidence so it's about everyone turning up with the right attitude and ready to dig in," the coach said.

"Until we get everyone back I'm not too worried about the season, but if we drop a couple of these games it could come back to bite us."

Kirkland will look for a response from his side after they trailed 18-0 inside 10 minutes during a defeat to Macleay Valley before the Easter break.

"It's important for us to concentrate on the first 20 and limit the damage, no matter who we're playing," Kirkland said.

"We're really fit and I'm confident we can roll over the top of most sides in the second half."

While the Bulls will field an inexperienced side themselves, Kirkland remained wary of their forward pack.

"They are always really strong there," he said.

"We've got to be really good in the middle because the key for us is our defence and we leaked too many points too quickly last week."

Taree City have their own problems with player availability with hooker Oscar Carey, along with backrowers Ethan Currey and Thomas Paulson are all unavailable.

While conceding having the three players out is disappointing, coach Todd Bridge is confident the Bulls have the depth to cover the absences.

"Will Clarke is back this week so he'll slot straight back in. Rob Mason will start at lock,'' he said.

"This will be a good yardstick to see where we stand after three games. Port's always a tough trip and they're the defending premiers."

First grade kicks off at 2.30pm at Regional Stadium.