Rees, sustained the injury in the match against Old Bar last weekend. He returned from a lengthy suspension in that game and is a scratching from tomorrow’s clash against Forster-Tuncurry at Taree Rugby Park.

“We have the bye next week so hopefully Dave will only miss the one game,’’ Ratz coach Danial Stone said.

“But we’re going to miss him – he’s out go forward man.’’

Fullback Reece Holden is also out after injuring a shoulder against the Clams. Holden is expected to have a longer stay on the sidelines than Rees. Stone will check the fitness of centre Jake Maurirere, who had been troubled by back spasms.’’

“I’m not sure about Jake yet, we’re hoping he will be right by Saturday,’’ Stone said.

The Ratz have 25 players on their roster and will be able to cover the injuries, although Stone admits he isn’t yet sure who will replace Holden in the 15 jumper.

Reports indicate the Dolphins may not be as formidable as they have been in recent seasons, but Stone concedes they’ll be strong.

“They’ll have a good game plan – they always do. They’ll be hard,’’ he said.

In the other game tomorrow Wallamba are at home to the Old Bar Clams at Nabiac, the clubs’ women’s sevens teams engaging in a game from 2pm. Gloucester has the bye.