Ben Murray's return a further boost for Hawks

Murray, who can cover most of the backline spots as well as the backrow, had a pin inserted in a badly dislocated finger earlier this month.

He won't be back for Sunday's finale against Wauchope at Wauchope, but Forster coach Phil Adamson said he should be right for the August 3 elimination semi-final at Tuncurry, probably against Port City.

"Benny's an important player for us,'' Adamson said.

"We can play him anywhere.''

However, the news isn't as positive for interchange back Kye Burke, who is out for the year after breaking his wrist against Port Sharks last week. Burke was the starting halfback for most of the season until the arrival of Adrian Davis. He has been used off the bench since.

Adamson said centre Keda Moylan is set to make his long awaited return on Sunday from a shoulder injury. Moylan was supposed to play last weekend after recovering from a shoulder injury, but there was a late hiccup.

"He's moved to Brisbane and missed the plane back here,'' Adamson said.

"But he sent me a text me and said he'll be driving down this week.''

Five-eighth Matt Wakefield will miss this weekend's game, with Jake Collins switching from centre to six, allowing Moylan to slot into the side.

Adamson said there's still plenty riding on Sunday's game, even if the result won't change the final placings.

"We had a yarn about it at training this week, we've won the last three games and we want to keep that momentum going into the semi-finals. We want to go into the semis with a positive attitude,'' he said.

"And we might run into Wauchope at some stage in the semis, so we don't want them to the wood on us.''

Wauchope won their first game in the second round when accounting for Macleay Valley in an upset at Kempsey last week.

The Blues now can't be beaten for third spot on the ladder.

Forster will finish second in reserve grade and also second in the women's league tag, with only the under 18s missing out on the playoffs.