After 12 rounds of the competition, the local outfit sits in third spot – three points behind leaders Orara Valley Axemen and one in arrears of the Woolgoolga Sea Horses.

With a match against the Bellingen Magpies at Bellingen Park on Sunday, a victory will keep the Sharks in the hunt for the all-important minor premiership.

“Yes, I expect it to be tough this weekend,” Murphy told the Port News.

“The Magpies’ 42-40 win over Sawtell will give them some confidence.

“But, we only look at the things we can dictate.

“We can’t control how Bellingen will play.

“The guys have to concentrate on our game.

“If we turn up in defence and communicate on the field, it will make the job easier.

“There are certain areas we need to improve, however I think every coach can say that.

“We’re placed well at the moment but can’t rest on our laurels.

“We have to keep turning up on Tuesday and Thursday nights – and make sure our training is constructive to the way we want to play.

“We’ll be around when the whips are cracking.

“However, 90 per cent of the game is played above your shoulders.

“If the boys are switched on, then we can control our own destiny.”

Although somewhat flat in their showdown with the Coffs Harbour Comets, the Sharks still registered a vital 40-20 triumph.

“The most pleasing aspect was, after a slow start, that we didn't get stressed,” Murphy explained.

“We knuckled down … then played the football we wanted to.

“I believe every match is hard in its own way.

“It doesn't matter whether you win by one or 100, you still have to go through that softening up period.

“And, more often than not, if you win the ground in that period - and maintain your enthusiasm – you’ll come away with the win.”

Murphy made special mention of the efforts of youngster Addam Greenaway, Joel Asher, Josh Cale, Joe Cudmore, Michael Bright, Jeremy Lang and co-mentor Josh Mann.

“Our two centres (Greenaway and Asher) were fantastic,” he admitted.

“Addam just keeps getting better with each game and Joel is finding the form of a couple of years ago.

“That’s very important to the rest of the team.

“Joel is a natural leader and, when he is dominating, the other boys feed off that.

“I also thought Josh (Cale) did well after a couple of weeks out – he got our players’ player award.

“Joey (Cudmore) and Michael (Bright) didn’t stop in either attack or defence.

“It’s also handy having Jeremy Lang back on deck.

“He starts on the wing and has been on the end of some great backline movements.

“Then we can move him to hooker, where he’s terrific in defence, smart out of dummy half and has a good kicking game.

“As for Josh (Mann), he seems to be getting better with age.”

Port Macquarie Sharks

Port Macquarie Sharks

First grade - Josh Mann (c), Tyrone Nelson, Joel Asher, Addam Greenaway, Matt Doherty, Aaron Ison, Clinton Foot, Josh Cale, Joe Cudmore, Matt Blake, Kurt Molony, Michael Bright, Walter Hati; Anthony Shipway, Ben Cudmore

Under 18s –Tai Heta, Scott Gallagher, Todd Harpley, Shane Anttilla, Chris Turnham, Jake Law, Jake Green, Dan Smith, Adam Coote, Ben Read, Tyrone Nelson, Eddie O’Brien, Mitch Lawrence; Michael McKinnon, Jarryd Gooda, Jackson Williams, Hayden Chandler, Dameon Osborne

Reserve grade - Matt Webber, Corey Gwyther, Adrian Daley jnr, Dylan Ramm, Damian Carter, Nick McCabe, Chris Green, Clint McCabe, James Kelly, Nathan Maher, Andrew Gudgeon, Chase Brock, Danny Graham; Scott Spurrier, Nick Brooks, Shane Powell, Neil Glover, Bob Davidson, Eric Coote

Round 13 draw:

Sunday –

Coffs Harbour v Orara Valley @ Advocate Park

Bellingen v Port Macquarie @ Bellingen Park

Nambucca Heads v Macksville @ Coronation Park

Dunghutti Broncos v Macleay Valley @ Verge Street

Woolgoolga v Sawtell @ Woolgoolga