THE Nowra-Bomaderry Jets will be aiming for their fourth straight win on Sunday when they travel up to Ron Costello Oval to face reigning premiers the Shellharbour Sharks.
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As it stands, the Jets sit in fourth spot, on 17 points, just one point ahead of Warilla-Lake South and two in front of Kiama - making the round 14 match crucial in their finals hopes.
"We are content where we are sitting at the moment but we know we can't afford to slip up, with Warilla and Kiama breathing down our necks," Jets captain/coach Dylan Farrell said.
"The next five weeks are all massive games I know we can win, it's just us to prove it, starting with Shellharbour."
The last time the two sides met, the Jets led 20-8 at half-time before the Sharks stormed back to force a 30-all draw.
That game, along with their second half capitulation against Gerringong, have refocused the Jets on the opportunity they have this season.
"There's a couple of games, such as the Shellharbour and particularly the Gerringong one, we let slip," Farrell said.
"All the boys learnt a lot from the Lions loss, showing we can't afford to get caught up in the negative stuff on the field - we were winning the battle but losing the war.
"In particular, we seemed to lose a lot of momentum after half-time and allow our opposition back in the match.
"Since our big discussion [after the Lions game], things have really started to click the past three games, as we've found the right balance in the side and address those issues."
During those past three games, the Jets have accounted for Berry-Shoalhaven Heads (38-12), Stingrays (48-6) and Albion Park-Oak Flats (42-18).
"It may have taken longer than we wanted but we've finally found the right mix - we've really started to click the past few weeks," Farrell said,
"We've got numerous talented individuals in our side and they've all now embraced their roles in the team, while also helping others around them.
"Everyone's on the same page about what we want to achieve as a team."
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Following their clash with the 'dangerous' Shellharbour outfit, Farrell's side take on Jamberoo, Kiama, Warilla and Gerringong on the final five weeks of the season.
"We know the next couple of weeks are going to be very tough but that's the way we like it," he said.
"Each game is like a semi-final for us, as we know how important wins are at this time of year.
"We don't want to get to the last round of the season and be relying on results to go our way to just make the finals.
"It's up to us to show we belong in that top five, starting with the Sharks on Sunday."
Elsewhere on Sunday, Stingrays host Kiama at Flinders Field while Gerringong travel to Cec Glenholmes Oval to face Warilla.
The final game of the round sees Berry-Shoalhaven Heads entertain Albion Park-Oak Flats at the Berry Showground on Saturday, with Jamberoo having the bye.