"We're in third place and we've had three wins from five games,'' Maurirere said.

"At the start, with all the new players to rugby and the young blokes we have, I would have been happy to win one game in the first round and build from there. So I'm happy with where we're placed.''

The Ratz face another difficult match on the road tomorrow against Gloucester.

"They're like Myall Coast, they're always tougher at home,'' Maurirere said.

"But if we can get a win we'll move clear of them and still say in touch with second place.''

The Ratz have added to their backline resources with the addition of former Kempsey first grade centre James Farrawell, who trained with the club this week. He is expected to play his first game with the Ratz tomorrow.

"We'll be a bit light-on for backs this week, so I'll play him at 12,'' Maurirere said.

He added that Farrawell has first grade experience with the Cannonballs.

"From what he showed at training this week he'll be a good signing,'' he said.

Chris Fitzsimons will move to fly half to replace Izaac Solomon, who is working away. Maurirere said Fitzsimons has been playing strongly this season and is relishing a more senior role.

The Ratz showed plenty of determination to get away with the points against Myall Coast last week and Maurirere was pleased with the way they bounced back from the heavy loss to Forster-Tuncurry.