Premierships are always earned, not handed out in the same way as participation certificates.
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Wauchope Blues haven't been beaten this season and are in the strongest position out of all four remaining clubs vying for the 2021 Group 3 rugby league first grade premiership.
But Port Macquarie, Port City and Old Bar are all intent on ruining the party.
Despite their ladder-leading position, Wauchope co-captain Beau Kettle won't be comfortable with the club simply being handed the premiership.
"I wouldn't like to take that title if it was just given to us," he said.
"Sharks, Breakers and Old Bar are all capable of knocking us off at any point. We've still got the semi-final and then a grand final to win.
"How many times do sides go through undefeated and then lose the grand final? It wouldn't be right getting the title without earning it.
"A minor premiership, sure. But not a grand final."
And while the NSW statewide lockdown uncertainty continues, the possibility remains the competition may not run its course.
Blues co-captain Beau Kettle, however, knows everyone will read from the same piece of paper when the competition resumes - pending health advice - on September 18.
When the Blues battle fourth-placed Port City and Port Macquarie tackle third-placed Old Bar, neither side will have played for more than a month.
Old Bar haven't played since July 24 while Port Macquarie and Port City last played on August 8.
"It's brought it back to a level playing field; no-one's got momentum after winning games," Kettle said.
One benefit Wauchope has is that all of their senior grades secured top four positions meaning each grade will benefit from training drills against each other.
Kettle admitted it still remained a delicate balancing act.
"You don't want to be busting your players by doing massive training sessions. You need at least two round games to get your match fitness back," he said.
"But if we do get back to training we'll be doing hard opposed sessions against our under-18s and reserve grade so we're not just thrown into the deep end.
"It will benefit all of us. You want to be somewhat at your peak, not just thrown into it."
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