The Ratz could finish on equal terms with Forster-Tuncurry in first place win a big win over Thunder. However, the Dolphins will be minor premiers on points differential regardless of the result.

"We don't want any injuries,'' Stone said.

"But we need the match fitness. It's been a bit stop-start this season so it's good to get some football going into the finals.''

Stone has also settled on his side for the major semi. Clint Walker will be available for the remainder of the campaign as he won't have work commitments and he'll be the starting fullback. Ricky Campbell will be the five-eighth with Izaak Solomon likely to be on the bench.

No 8 and captain Sam Hartnett is battling leg injuries but played off the bench in the epic 17-13 win over Forster-Tuncurry last week.

"I'll probably start Sam from the bench again this week,'' Stone said.

"But he should be right for the major semi-final.''

As has been the case for the past two years, the Ratz will have to beat the Dolphins at home in the major semi to claim a grand final at Taree Rugby Park. The task was too much in 2013/14 and both years the Ratz then fell short in the grand final.

However, Stone isn't too disappointed at missing out on the minor premiership.

"Finishing minor premier was never really our goal getting to the major semi-final was. We're there now, it's up to us,'' he reasoned.

MYALL Lakes hooker, James Farmer, has been suspended for 12 weeks for hitting the referee in the face with the football and will miss the remainder of the season of the Lower Mid North Coast rugby union competition, Phil Wilkins reports..

Farmer was ordered to the sin bin for a high tackle in the 17th minute of the Mudcrabs' game against Old Bar at Myall Park last Saturday and upon saying: "You're f... kidding!" and kicking the ball away, he was directed by Newcastle referee Brian Banister three times to return the ball to him.

Instead of placing the ball at referee Banister's feet, the 21-year-old Farmer flicked the ball back towards the referee from five metres distance, striking him in the face. Farmer was immediately shown the red card.

Farmer stood behind the official table, swearing loudly before the Mudcrabs' secretary, Ann Scully, remonstrated with him, telling him: "There are women and children here. You are showing no respect to them. Zip it up!"

The loss of one of the best young hookers in the competition places the Mudcrabs in a difficult position with the team already having qualified for the minor semi-final against the Gloucester Cockies in tomorrow week's Super Saturday semi-final double-header at Tuncurry's Peter Barclay Field.

Tomorrow, the Mudcrabs travel from Tea Gardens to Gloucester for their semi-final rehearsal against the Cockies in the 14th and last round of the Brokenwood Wines competition.

Without Farmer, the Mudcrabs will have an enormous task to hold the Cockies' pack, which has paved the way for their eight wins this winter, led by captain and No 8 Chris Marchant and shrewd, ball-winning inside back, Jamie Andrews.

The Lower MNC minor premiership trophy is as good as in the Dolphins' keeping, the defending premiers having the bye tomorrow afternoon. The Old Bar Clams will play the Wallamba Bulls at Trad Field in the two clubs' last game of the season.

Mid North Coast executive officer, Bob Wilson, has yet to announce the four semi-finalists, but the points table indicates the following clubs will take part in the play-offs tomorrow week at Peter Barclay Field, Tuncurry: minor semi-final Gloucester v Myall Coast at: 1.10pm (40 minutes each way). Extra time, if required, 10 minutes each way.

Major semi-final: Forster Tuncurry v Manning River start 3pm (40 minutes each way). Extra time if required, 10 minutes each way.