North Sydney's Intrust Super Premiership season hangs in the balance.
But thanks to the Jets' win over the Warriors in Round 23, the Bears – currently sitting 11th on the competition ladder – have the chance to storm into the top eight in their final game of the regular season.
Despite back-to-back losses in their past two matches, a pair of defeats at the hands of Wentworthville and Bankstown respectively, a win over the Warriors on Saturday afternoon could see Shane Millard's side finish in the all-important top eight.
Match: Bears v Warriors
Round 24 -
home Team
Bears
11th Position
away Team
Warriors
7th Position
Venue: North Sydney Oval, Sydney
Not to dwell on recent shortcomings, losses in rounds 23 and 24 will serve to galvanise the Bears this weekend, says the club's General Manager of Football, Greg Florimo.
"There's been a sense of 'being on the edge of really being able to achieve something', Florimo tells NSWRL.com.au.
"We've hung in there by our fingernails in the last few weeks and [now] found ourselves in a position where we can actually make an impact on the competition.
"There's plenty of energy and plenty of enthusiasm in the team."
Despite limited on-field success this season, the youthful Bears outfit has gained invaluable experience.
The side's attack, for the most part, has been spearheaded by a young halves combination in Connor Tracey and Dean Hawkins. Touted as stars of the future throughout their time in Junior Representative competitions, the pair carry exuberance and motivation with them still.
"I hope from an individual perspective it (motivation) will be there, and I know certainly from a team and club perspective it will be there," Florimo says of the clash with the Warriors.
"So it will be up to the players to bring their best game. These opportunities don't come around too often so it's important they make the most of it."
North Sydney head into the Round 24 clash with the Warriors looking to continue the New Zealanders' recent woes.
Fifth-placed on the ISP ladder two-thirds the way through the season, the Warriors have since lost six-straight matches, and have slipped to seventh.
The Bears aren't reading too much into the Warriors' recent form.
"Again, it's an individual perspective and it's important that you recognise what your preparation is and having your own preparation," he said.
"It's important for the team that you go through that process continually at this part of the season and you don't miss anything and you go through your preparation and your recovery.
"Those little things get you ready for big games like this and if you don't have that then you're leaving yourself short."
While the fixture is set as a blockbuster on-field, there will be just as much meaning off it on Saturday afternoon with the Bears supporting the Fiver for a Farmer initiative.
Along with NORTHS Group and North Sydney Council, the Bears will be promoting the cause and encourage fans to wear 'farmer attire', while they will also host a presentation at half-time of the Intrust Super Premiership clash.
