Local derbies are almost always must-win games.
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But two disappointing results in a row mean a defeat for St George in their round 12 first grade clash against Sutherland could be season ending.
Saints travel to Glenn McGrath Oval on Saturday for day one of the two-day fixture needing to stop their slide down the table.
St George have fallen from fourth to 11th while local rivals Sutherland have jumped them into sixth following impressive wins over Eastern Suburbs and Mosman.
St George stand-in captain Stewart McCabe said the derby would be vital to his team’s campaign.
“[This game] could make or break our season,” he said.
“I think [we probably] need to win our last four games.”
The teams will play for the Norm O’Neill Cup in honour of the former St George, Sutherland and Australian Test player.
O'Neill, who died in 2008 aged 71, played 42 Tests for Australia.
Sutherland have a healthy record since the teams started playing for the trophy, winning four and drawing one of the six meetings.
After their impressive climb up the table, Sutherland captain Ben Dwarshuis said complacency would not be an issue as they look to maintain their finals charge.
“St George are always a strong team but we’ll go in with a lot of confidence after the last couple of weeks,” he said.
“With the way our team is set up spin is obviously very important.
“Riley (Ayre), Daniel (Fallins) and Devlin (Malone) have all been bowling really well and taking key wickets.”
St George are waiting on the availability of captain Trent Copeland, who was selected in the NSW Sheffield Shield squad for the game against Western Australia in New Zealand, starting today.
If Copeland is not named in the first XI, he would be free to play for St George.
McCabe said Copeland was St George’s “x-factor” and his inclusion would be a huge boost.
Play starts at 10.30am.
