The shield is contested annually, with the Roosters looking to retain it. 

Roosters captain-coach Ryan Apps said the clash for the shield will drive them to better football. 

“He was a great club man and a great player, it is gonna drive us to play better footy,” Apps said.

Despite Tathra going winless so far and Bega dominating the competition, Apps said the Roosters will not get complacent. 

“It is an old rivalry match, it doesn’t matter where you are on the ladder, it will be tough footy.

“I am sure Tathra will be giving more than 100 per cent to beat us.”

Combinations are working out strongly for the Roosters, while Tathra had been struggling. 

Don’t count the Sea Eagles out yet though. 

They are a resilient squad with some exceptional talent and it will no doubt come out firing on Sunday. 

The squad has been improving over previous weeks with near misses against Eden and Narooma. 

The Sea Eagles will also be looking to capitalise on the Roosters’ lack of field time in the last month - despite last week flogging the Cooma Stallions. 

Apps credited the current form to game plans implemented last year with co-coach Grant Jessop coming to fruition. 

“We haven’t changed much from last year, the first year we changed a lot and implemented a few things. 

“Everyone is knowing what they’re doing now, it’s second nature, in the back of our heads we know where we have to be.”

The Roosters haven’t clashed with the Sea Eagles in a while, but extra sessions in the gym should hold them in good stead. 

“We’re doing extras at the gym to keep stronger and fitter.

“If we can keep one step in front of the other team, we’ll be doing better than what they are.”

The clubs will meet in three grades, with the league-tag to kick-off the day from noon at the Bega Rec Ground.