The possible return of goal sneak Alex MacQueen should strengthen Saints as they prepare for another premiership tilt.
The forward was best on ground in last season's grand final and will be a timely addition to the side after about two months out with a dislocated elbow.
Despite not being named in the side last night, player-coach Nick Braybon said MacQueen was likely to comeback into the team for tomorrow's away clash with Cairns City Lions.
And Braybon hopes he gives them a boost after a last start loss that raised some alarm bells at Griffiths Park.
Table-topping Souths were too good a fortnight ago, skipping away and holding on to cement first place and establish themselves as a genuine premiership threat.
"I think that result was a clear reflection of the competiton (along with Port Douglas) it's a very close top three," Braybon said.
"Souths were the best side early in the season and they've proved they are still the top team.
"We started slow, kicked points not goals when we went forward and left our run too late.'
Leaving their run for finals too late is something Saints are not guilty of though, and they will be seeking another momentum boost at Holloways Beach tomorrow afternoon.
Boasting a number of matchwinners, the Lions have taken big strides this season.
They already have three more wins than last season and instead of occupying the cellar they are pushing for a top-four position.
A win this weekend is almost essential though as they battle to stay in touch with fourth-placed North Cairns.
"They are a hard, physical side and out there at Holloways it will interesting because they play that venue well," Braybon said.
"The club was down the bottom (of the ladder) for a long time, they've made inroads now and are trying to build that winning feeling again."
Souths host Norths as star forward Paul Smith eyes 100 goals, Saints' Matt Walsh keen to catch him before season's end.
"It keeps him on his toes and there is a bit of chat about it at training," Braybon said of Smith potentially stealing the golden boot from Walsh's grasp.
In the other game, Port Douglas wil welcome Centrals Trinity Bulldogs to their home ground in what is the third-last reqular season fixture.
Last Modified on 21/01/2015 14:28