They were competitive for half of that in a 91-70 defeat to St George last weekend and coach Mark Champion wants a similar effort from his team on Saturday night.

Their season doesn't get any easier when Newcastle Hunters come calling to Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium smarting from an 89-83 defeat to Tamworth.

While the Dolphins didn't get the chocolates at the Hurstville Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Champion was still suitably impressed.

"There was a lot of good things about the performance," he said.

"We won two of the four quarters, but in the other two quarters we let them get away from us and when they got hot we weren't able to stop them quickly enough."

The coach spent the first half of this week in hospital, but will be fit to take his place courtside which has allowed a couple of guests to take charge at training during the week.

"They've had the opportunity to have something different and that might freshen them up," he said.

Champion knows the Hunters are "probably a bit better" than St George, so the Dolphins will have their work cut out.

"We will have to play well to compete with them," he said.

Lance Guild is overseas and will miss the clash although Champion was confident he would have a near-full squad to choose from otherwise.

Torren Hunter and Daniel Styles have recovered sufficiently enough from injuries to take their places in the side.

Tip-off is at 6pm.

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