Mareeba coach Rod Jensen says he is preparing his side for their toughest game of the Bendigo Bank CDRL A Grade season when they take on reigning premiers Brothers this Saturday at Stan Williams Park (kick-off 7pm).

The former North Queensland Cowboys and Northern Pride star has so far enjoyed his first foray into the senior coaching ranks, with two straight wins over Edmonton and Yarrabah.

But the 34-year-old knows there are tougher challenges to come, starting this weekend.

“I’m really happy with the progress we’ve made so far, but I’d say that Saturday will be our biggest test to date,” Jensen said.

“It won’t be the first time we’ve been under pressure to perform, but we do want to be competitive against the bigger sides in the competition.

“I’m really trying to drum into the boys that we need to be consistent week-in, week-out. I see rugby league as a repetitive and mechanical game, but that doesn’t mean you have to be boring.

“What it does mean is that each player has a set job to do, and if you can do that on a consistent basis, then you’ll get your rewards,” he said.

Jensen has also impressed on the paddock in his player-coach role, scoring a hat-trick in his last outing against the Seahawks.

“It’s been difficult to focus on my own playing while trying to do the coaching, but I’m happy enough with the playing side at the moment,” he said.

A huge crowd is expected at Callendar Park in Innisfail this Saturday when the Leprechauns take on visitors Edmonton Storm in a much-anticipated Bendigo Bank CDRL A Grade match.

The game kicks off at 5pm and will act as a curtain-raiser to the Northern Pride and Tweed Heads Seagulls’ Round 4 Intrust Super Cup clash.

Edmonton will be looking to notch their first win of the season in what has been a disappointing campaign so far.

In other games, Ivanhoes coach Alan Benn says his side faces a tricky trip to Yarrabah this Sunday, with the hosts eager to claim their first win of the season.

“It’s always a challenge to go to Jilara Oval and get a result,” he said.

“The Seahawks are extremely strong at home, with a fanatical supporter base, so it’s going to be a tough one for us.”

Mossman-Port Douglas will look to be the first side to beat high-flying Tully Tigers on Saturday when they meet at Mossman Showgrounds.

Sharks player-coach Bronson Ryan expects a tough forward battle against the unbeaten Tigers, but is in confident mood after his side’s Round 3 win over Atherton.

“Our forwards will really need to step up against their pack, which is traditionally strong,” he said.

“But if we’re competitive with them in that area, I believe the rest will take care of itself.

“It was a pretty good crowd against the Roosters, but we’re expecting an even bigger crowd this time around.”

Meanwhile, Atherton will be looking to get their first win of the season and break Kangaroos’ 100 per cent record when the two sides meet at Vico Oval on Sunday.
Southern Suburbs have a bye.

2013 Bendigo Bank A Grade – ROUND 4
Saturday 6 April
Innisfail v Edmonton, 5pm KO (Callendar Park) – curtain-raiser to Northern Pride v Tweed Heads Seagulls in Round 4 of the Intrust Super Cup.
Brothers v Mareeba, 7pm KO (Stan Williams Park).
Mossman-Port Douglas v Tully, 7pm KO (Mossman Showgrounds).

Sunday 7 April
Yarrabah v Ivanhoes, 3pm KO (Jilara Oval).
Kangaroos v Atherton, 3pm KO (Vico Oval).

BYE – Southern Suburbs.