Coach Danial Stone has no doubt about that.

However, the players need to work harder on the training paddock if they are going to worry the top two sides in the competition – Wallamba and Forster-Tuncurry.

“These young blokes – they have all the ability in the world, but it’s hard to get them to train,’’ an exasperated Stone said at the Ratz prepare to meet Old Bar at Taree Rugby Park tomorrow.

“They can win this comp. But I’ve just got to get them to train.’’

The competition is into the second round with the Ratz emerging as the only likely side to stop a Wallamba/Forster-Tuncurry grand final.

Stone said a win with a bonus point tomorrow against the Clams followed by success over Forster-Tuncurry next match would elevate the Ratz into second place.

“That’s what we're aiming for – at least it sounds easy enough,’’ he said.

The Ratz will be without standoff Tim Rees tomorrow. Stone said the club has about five players still on the injured list but he won’t be risking them against Old Bar unless they’re full recovered.

While it has been another difficult year for the Clams the club’s women’s sevens side is progressing steadily and will be favoured tomorrow. Old Bar overcame Forster-Tuncurry 12-5 last weekend while the Ratz went down 20-7 to Gloucester.