The Hawks are currently fourth, but aren't guaranteed of a spot in the playoffs. Forster has 10 points, one clear of Port City and two ahead of Port Sharks.

The Hawks meet Old Bar on Sunday at Old Bar then Port Sharks at Tuncurry before finishing with Wauchope at Wauchope.

"We set ourselves goals at the start of the season and obviously one of those was making the semis,'' coach Phil Adamson said.

"It's been a few years since the club played in the semis and now we're a realistic chance.''

Two wins from three would be enough to ensure the Hawks at least make the five, but Adamson said the task now if to wrap up fourth spot and get the elimination semi-final at Tuncurry on Saturday August 3.

However, Adamson understands the Pirates won't be pushovers.

"They've won their last three games and they've apparently got a few of their young blokes back, so we know we have to be on our guard,'' he said.

Adamson hopes to give front rower Billy Ryder some game time.

"He came to us at the start of the year but he got a blood infection,'' Adamson explained.

"Billy's only just come back, but he's been player of the match in reserve grade the last two games, so I'll use him this week. He has good go forward and I think he's going to be pretty handy for us looking towards the semis.''

Matt Kirkland will be given another week to recover from niggling injuries, giving Adamson the opportunity to call Ryder into the starting squad.

Forster goes into the match on the back of successive wins over Port City and Taree City.

Meanwhile, a meeting to be held at the Wingham Services Club on Monday night will consider how to incorporate women's rugby league into the Group Three competition.

As reported on Wednesday, all Group Three clubs have been invited, along with the Country Rugby League's Kylie Hilder and representatives from the Hastings League.

The meeting will start at 6.30.