Getting a win for North Tamworth at Coona is the first aim, of course, but the Bears fullback is also chasing West Lions skipper Nathan Hamlin in the try-scoring stakes.

West has the bye this week but Hamlin is way out in front with 21 tries.

North’s Chris Hunt has 16 and Spencer 13 but he has been getting on the scoreboard every week of late, even though the Bears haven’t been in their best form.

“I’ve been playing for Narrabri for three years so just winning is good and winning two in a row,” Spencer said.

“The good thing is we can use these games against Wee Waa and Narrabri to work on a few things like defence.

“If we can get into training and iron out a few things, hopefully we’ll be playing some pretty good footy.”

Coona is also improving.

It beat Narrabri comfortably last week after losing to the Blues twice earlier in the season.

“They had a slow start,” Spencer said.

“The losses to Narrabri show they started slowly but now they’ve come back and given Narrabri a touch-up.

“Obviously they’ve improved and they’re always hard to beat on their home ground.

“They’ve got players like Scott Watton and they’re starting to get their act together out there.

“We won’t be taking it lightly.

“We know what can happen when you let your guard down after (losing to) Gunnedah and West.”

The Bears are getting back to near full strength, with Hunt back on deck last week.

Brad Marshall (shoulder) should also be back from injury tomorrow while Matt Jarrett (knee) and Aaron Mitchell (shoulder) will return this week or against Gunnedah next week.

“Matty Jarrett is a chance,” Spencer said.

“He’s been doing some light running on it.

“Aaron Mitchell is a chance too.

“Chris Hunt is back and it’s always interesting playing with him.

“You never know what he can do.”

o Turn to pages 114 and 115 for more on Group 4, 19 and 21.