They are five games into the season and are already in must-win territory.
They have a raft of injuries.
And they are not playing anywhere near as well as they would like.
But coach William Hola is trying to see past the challenges.
"It has been pretty tough to be honest," Hola said.
"We’ve had a whole heap of injuries.
"But the blessing in disguise for us is that it allows us to try different combinations.
"I’m pretty confident for the second round."
The Colours (seven points) got off to a cracking start last season but faded and were eliminated in the quarterfinals.
If they are going to improve on that effort, they will need to start winning and that winning will need to start against Green Island at Miller Park tomorrow.
The Grizzlies (17 points) have been decimated by injuries and have lost their last three games.
They will be quietly desperate as well.
"The focus for us is just to keep getting better," Hola said.
"What we’ve been trying to do is keep the ball in hand, and we’ll need to play good defence against Green Island.
"We know they’re going to probably attack us up front as well, and they’ve got good backs.
"But what we’ve got to do is just match that ... and trust our game plan against them."
"We need this win to be honest ... and I know they’re hurting with injuries too, so it’s a great opportunity for us to compete against them in that space."
One of the players Hola will be able to rely on to bring some energy is Ben Fakava.
The winger is quick to spot mismatches and has the knack of breaking the defensive line.
Loosehead prop Hame Lauaki has led the effort up front.
"His work rate around the paddock has been huge for us. He’s been someone that’s taken the load and that sort of leadership role."
Southern (17 points) will host Dunedin (16 points) in the game of the round. The Ron Reggett Memorial is on the line and the winner will close the gap on competition leader, Taieri (25 points), who have a bye this week.
The winless Alhambra-Union (0 points) will host University (12 points) at the North Ground.
The students have played some error-ridden rugby and have dropped out of the top six.
Kaikorai (15 points) have rebounded from a slow start, but they face Harbour (19 points), who lost 23-0 to Dunedin last weekend but have otherwise set the benchmark this season.
Hawks midfielder Aleki Morris-Lome played his 100th game for the team against Taieri late last month, and Dunedin veteran loose forward Hame Toma will register his 150th for the Sharks if he is ruled fit to play.
