Group 3 rugby league: Wauchope Blues defeat Port Macquarie Sharks on June 26

After NSW Health guidelines changed on Saturday evening and face masks became mandatory in spaces where social distancing could not be guaranteed, the Blues committee had to start from first light to ensure Lank Bain Sporting Complex was COVID-safe.

Blues co-captain Beau Kettle admitted the change in environment contributed to a different atmosphere.

"We were really flat on the field; our talk was flat and I don't know if it was the day that did that, but it didn't feel the same," he said.

Centre Sam Watts had an off day with the boot otherwise the margin could have been greater with the Blues' defence again a highlight.

"Their centre scored two tries in the corner, but we defended lots of sets on our line and kept them out so I think our defence really stood up," Kettle said.

The win came at a cost for Wauchope with stand-in hooker Trae Cole suffering a fractured pelvis and dislocated hip which appears to have ended his season.

Regular starting hooker Dean Hurrell is still three or four weeks away as he recovers from a broken arm.

And despite now holding a four-point advantage at the top, the Blues are unlikely to be a position to rest players anytime soon.

"You've got to be on your toes because Wingham got beaten by Forster and we can't afford to rest players at the moment," Kettle said.

"Losing Trae is a massive blow for us although Dean will be back later and Jordie Gibson is not far off coming back either.

"We've got depth; a couple have been playing well in reserve grade, but it's hooker that's the major problem for us now."

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