THEY won't have the added bonus of home ground support, but Port Macquarie Makos hold strong ambitions of a lengthy NSW State Cup campaign which taps off on December 4.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The COVID-19 pandemic has ensured there will be no spectators in the Tuffins Lane or Regional Stadium precincts which will make the 2020 event one for the ages.
Port Macquarie will field six teams across the women's open B, women's 20s, men's 20s, senior mixed (30s), mixed masters (40s) and mens 40s.
Port Macquarie Touch Football Association representative director Peter Vincent sees plenty of potential in all of the sides.
"At the country championships, our men's and women's 20s had experience in the new format, but not in the heat they will experience this weekend," he said.
"They found it was good you don't cool down when you play three-straight games.
"We train for 90 minutes a session twice a week so we train longer than we're going to play; it's just with a higher intensity and quicker pace of the games."
The Makos' senior mixed side won the competition last year and Vincent expects them to again challenge for the title.
"They will be competitive, but Wollongong and Penrith are going to be strong as well," he said.
The addition of Anna Gleeson and Kelly Shipway to the women's open B side could be the missing ingredient that helps them progress deep into the competition.
"We've also brought some of our better women's 20s players into that side so their main competition will be Wests," Vincent said.
"They've set the goal of at least quarter-finals."
With temperatures again set to soar over the weekend, preparation and hydration will be key.
"We've been onto them about sipping water and not going out and drinking a whole bottle in one go," Vincent said.
"We use magnesium tablets and the manager has a very important role to play, but then it's about recovery at the end.
"There is the potential there for our teams."
Vincent said there were benefits of playing three-straight games in 90 minutes.
"It will be interesting to see how it plays out," he said.
"I've been to many State Cups as player and coach - you might play a game a 9am, then midday and then again at 4pm.
"It's impossible to spend the whole day in the tent so you spend a lot of nervous energy moving around which won't happen this year.
"You get in, play and then get out."
What else is happening in sport?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.