So it’s timely that the two sides face-off for the second time this season, at Artie Smith Oval.

The Tigers took the honours in the first match 12.8 (80) to 3.9 (27) at West Street Oval but both teams have come a long way since then.

The Blues have recorded strong wins against Kiama and Shellharbour in recent weeks, before enjoying the bye last round.

“Admittedly the Tigers blew us away in first round, taking us apart,” Blues coach Greg Wellington said.

“But in the past couple of rounds, we have really found our feet.

“We have a relatively young group but in saying that, they are coming along quite nicely.”

After the week off, Wellington’s side is ready to return to the field.

“The boys are really looking forward to having a crack and seeing where we are in comparison to the Tigers,” he said.

“They are always one of the tougher teams in the competition, and we love playing against them.

“A couple of players such as Marco Basaglia and Lachy Holmes have really impressed me in recent weeks.

“On top of that, the three 17-year-olds James Eagleton, Kerry Redshaw and Dayne Johnston are on fire.

“It’s difficult to manage them because they want game time but we have to manage their play, according to their physical capabilities.

“And of course, our leaders Michael Pelda and skipper Adam Weller have been solid, and setting the standard for the other boys.”

Tigers coach Sean Byrne hopes his team builds on the dominant win against Kiama last week, which he has labeled the team's best performance of the season.

“We need to build on our great four quarter effort from last week,” he said.

“Although we were still patchy at stages during the match, the effort and intensity was there.

“And to finish the game off strong, the way we did, was a great reward for the boys.”

Byrne knows his team isn’t going to have it that easy on Saturday though.

“It’s all about concentration for us, which I have been harping on about at practice,” he said.

“We know Nowra are going to be up for the game, looking for revenge for the round one result.

“We are missing a few key players such as Christian Mills and Sam Laidlaw with a another handful under some doubt.

“But I know whichever 22 that we put together will do a job for us and the club.

“With the a bye next weekend, it’s important to go into the break on a positive note.

“And two wins would give us real confidence ahead of the Bulldogs in a couple of weeks.”