Two losses from two games make a spot in the final a long shot for the Whalers but they still have plenty to play for, starting with a game against West Coast in Greymouth today.
After being on the wrong side of two tough contests, the Whalers will go into this match with every reason to be confident, having shown against quality opposition in Canterbury and Southland they are more than capable and have some talented footballers in their ranks.
It was only late in the game against Canterbury that the Whalers fell off the pace and succumbed to a 12 point loss and in their game against Southland last weekend, it was handling errors and missed opportunities which sealed their fate.
In both games the Whalers were able to open up the field to score points and also effectively restrict their opponents through staunch defence. Both those facets of the game will be required in Greymouth this weekend if they are to topple a good Chargers side. Coach Ray Fitiao said this week that he has had problems getting 17 players together for the clash, due to work commitments and injuries.
Unfortunately, captain Isaac Misky has been ruled out, after he was concussed in the physical encounter with the Rams last weekend. His loss is certain to have a big effect on the Whalers side.
There will be some new faces in the Whalers team and a slight change in the starting line-up.
Selection is yet to be finalised, as Fitiao sorts through those able to make the trip.
An unsettled team is unlikely to help the Whalers' cause but if there is one thing that the team is sure to take into the game it is a determined, dogged approach.
The Whalers have shown they are not a side which rolls over and accepts defeat and a hard-fought, physical contest is expected. Key players will be relied on to stand up in the absence of Misky and others.
Joe Bywater will again be one to watch and if Adam Tapsell and Sam Brame are playing, the Otago side will look to show some dominance up front.
The Chargers come into this match-up with a mixed bag of results. They beat Southland in their opening game but went down by two points, after conceding a try in the last minute of their game last weekend against Tasman.
They will go into the contest as clear favourites, but the golden rule in rugby league is to never rule out the underdog.
