Jake Lauder's season over

Lauder, a utility back, was stretchered off the field after five minutes of the clash against Macleay Valley last week. He has damaged the AC joint in his shoulder.

Macleay fullback Owen Blair was sent off following the incident on a spear tackle charge. Blair took the guilty plea this week and has been suspended for four games.

Taree coach Todd Bridge said Lauder is expected to be out for more than six weeks and it is unlikely he will play again this season.

"Jake's had a few problems already this year - he missed a few weeks when he had pneumonia, and now this,'' Bridge said.

"We're going to miss him - he's one of our better players in attack and he's been playing good football.''

Bridge has also been ruled out for the year because of on-going knee problems.

The Bulls will play co-competition leaders Wauchope on Saturday at the Jack Neal Oval. Bridge said Callum Wesley moves from centre to fullback to cover for Lauder.

However, Logan Wallis is also out injured so Bridge will partner Paul Campbell and Shannon Mullay in the centres.

Toby De Stefano switches from lock to wing - the fourth position he's played this season in first grade - allowing Thomas Paulson to come back into the starting 13 from the interchange bnench.

Prop Josh Northam made a successful return from a broken foot last match against Macleay but has again been named on the bench.

Bridge estimated earlier this week the Bulls would need to win four matches in the second round to have any chance of playing semi-final football. Taree turned in a solid effort in the opening round against the Blues at Wauchope, but Bridge concedes they'll be a difficult proposition this weekend.

"They work as one and they're defence is good,'' Bridge said of Wauchope.

He was disappointed the Bulls conceded 38 points against a 12 man Macleay Valley last week and said that'll have to tighten this up if Taree is to have any hope of causing an upset.

The Bulls have now lost three games in a row.