Anchored to the bottom of the ladder with seven losses, Vanzanten has been shaping the squad after losing a number of players before a hit-up was taken.

They’ve been on the end of heavy losses to premiership contenders Shellharbour and Kiama in recent weeks, opportunity knocks for the Magpeis when they take on the Stingrays on Saturday at Berry Showground. “The guys are disappointed, there’s no doubt we have to lift individually,” he said. 

“We’re not playing as well as we can or would like, even though we’ve lost some players which has made it harder.

“We’ve gone with other teams for a while, but haven’t been able to compete for more than 60 minutes sometimes.

“Hopefully it will come soon.”

The Stingrays, after pushing into the top grade this season, only won their first game last month, with a 32-26 victory over Milton-Ulladulla. So it makes for a desperate scrap to try keep the wooden spoon out of their reach.

Fullback Josh Coulter has been a standout for Berry, while second-rower Luke Ryder continues to work tirelessly.

Elsewhere, Shellharbour has another chance to prove test their premiership mettle against Gerringong at Michael Cronin Oval on Saturday.

Port Kembla face heavyweights Jamberoo, while Kiama host Milton-Ulladulla and Warilla travel to Nowra.