It's something Dylan Adams is working on because he knows he can ill-afford to let his team down as Group 3 heads past the halfway point of the year.

The 27-year-old often sails close to wind and admits his Macleay Valley opponents got the better of him during last weekend's 34-10 victory.

"I always enjoy the physical stuff because on the footy field I don't like being pushed over," he said.

"But Kempsey's a bit different because their kids are young, but strong and they do get into your head a bit.

"Once they get to you, you've got to keep calm and I think they target me because they know I'm a bit hot-headed."

Adams returned to the Sharks this season after a conversation with teammate Chris Piper and son Cuban allowed him to end a three-year absence from first grade.

In that time, he lost interest.

"I used to be 10 kilos lighter, but unfit and didn't have the mentality. I'd just give up and when I was tired I'd want to come off," he said.

"But I came back to the Sharks and Kel gave me a go so I've been training more seriously than I once did."

He has been satisfied with his form that has resulted in nine tries although he concedes defensively is what needs work.

"I'm pretty happy, but I can defend better," he said.

This Saturday Port Macquarie tackle Wingham aiming to consolidate their position in the top two.

"I was out injured the first time we played them, but we're confident we can beat them," Adams said.

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