The Platypi slipped out of Central West Rugby’s top five last weekend with a 47-22 loss to third placed Bathurst Bulldogs, allowing Cowra to leapfrog into fifth place.

Forbes face another two games on the road in the next fortnight, but Platypi co-coach Phil Prior said victory in both is not crucial.

“It would be lovely to come away with a victory but it’s certainly not the end of the line if we don’t beat Dubbo this weekend,” Prior said.

Prior said Forbes would theoretically only have to win matches against teams below it on the ladder to qualify for the semi-finals, starting on August 23.

However, a loss against the Roos would make victory against Cowra the following week vital.

The match is one of the toughest assignments in Blowes Cup, as the Roos have been the superpowers of Central West rugby for more than four years, including an almost two year stint where the side went undefeated.

Prior said the side has slipped somewhat from its previous heights of the last few seasons, losing senior personnel, but is still a massive force.

The side comes into the match sitting in second behind the undefeated competition leaders, Narromine, with the impressive record of nine wins, one draw and one loss.

The side is seeking its fourth straight Blowes Cup pennant and a win would give the Dubbo side the perfect preparation coming into their clash with Narromine next weekend.

Prior said Forbes would hope to be the third team to deny the Roos victory this season.

“They’ve been knocked over a couple of times this year. We’ll hope to be another one for them this weekend,” he said.