The Dragons and Bulldogs are the only unbeaten teams heading into the round seven blockbuster.

“It’s another opportunity for the boys, but obviously one side will be 7-0 and one will be 6-1 after Saturday,” Gisborne coach Rod Sharp said on Thursday.

“Sandhurst is chock full of confidence and self belief with some really big wins and we’ve been going along alright and getting the job done.”

The Dragons have enjoyed a fortunate run of injuries so far, having only used 25 players in their six games, while the Bulldogs have already played 36, including nine still eligible for the under-18s.

Among the young Bulldogs players who have grasped their opportunity so far are Isaac Trickey and Shannon Greetham, who are both among the leaders in the Addy Player of the Year.

“The young guys have all been outstanding for us, and I really couldn’t envisage at the start of the season where some have got themselves to already,” Sharp said.

“What’s the limits for them... that’s what’s really exciting for us.

“Who knows what they’re going to produce on Saturday. They have been going really well, but they might have another level.

“With a young group you’d think there may be a bit of inconsistency, but we haven’t hit that hurdle yet and their effort has all been really good.

“I’m really excited to see how our young players step up against the quality players in that Sandhurst side.”