Whalers coach Ray Fitiao was quietly optimistic: ''I don't know whether confidence is the right word, but I'm feeling better about this match.''
The Whalers are looking forward to their only home match and are keen to put on a good performance for their friends and family.
The team is going to be reinforced, as some key players return to the fold this week, with Hyrum Martin, Terrence Reid and Manassah Kutia all putting the boots on for the side. Fitiao said he had to make the hard decisions this week in naming the team.
The Whalers expect some difficult opposition from the West Coast.
''They should be tough all around.''
He said the team should expect some slick backs and some strong and aggressive play from the Chargers.
The Whalers have their very own West Coast player in Brogan Jackson.
They are hoping Jackson can bring a little insider knowledge as they look to put in an effort to pull themselves up from bottom place in the table.
Both teams lost their first matches and are looking to make amends.
Fitiao said he would see where the cards lay after the match and was not thinking about anything past the game, yet.
The matches were always high-stakes, he said.
Having a bolstered team may help the Whalers to their first win of the tournament and may be able to give them a chance to make the finals.
Whalers v Chargers
FB Stadium, today, 5.30pm
Otago Whalers: Kail Spooner, Jalan Wallace, Richie Clarke, Terrence Reid, Taua Piri, Louis Tili, Ben McKerchar, Sam Brame, Isaac Misky, Tyson Ball, Eddie van Aalst, Hyrum Martin, Dave Hong.
Interchange: Brogan Jackson, Koben Katipa (captain), Dexter Buchanan, Manassah Kutia