THE coaches have assured all the players this week that there are places up for grabs as we face Wakefield on Saturday.

It has to be a great motivator for the boys ahead of the big one at Rotherham on November 23. History tells us that there are so many teams that took their eye off the ball and paid for it big style. We are determined not to let that happen at the weekend.

Everyone is well aware that the Rotherham match is now just around the corner but, having won at Plymouth and then gone top, it would be stupid to throw anything away in front of our own supporters.

I think, much like the Plymouth match, we look at the Wakefield game as an opportunity. We have been making steady progress in the league this season and we are desperate to continue that, especially as we are the pace setters in National One. There cannot be any room for complacency in the camp but I don't think the players need to be told that, they are professionals.

We beat Manchester 73-12 in the Powergen Cup on Saturday but, to be frank, it was not a great performance. We have worked very hard this week at trying to eradicate some of the problems. Certainly the backs weren't as fluent as they have been in recent weeks while we conceded two tries which was just sloppy.

We know that Wakefield will be a sterner test and their pack will certainly keep ours on its toes. However, we have made a few changes and I think the team has a nice mix to it. There are players who have been pretty much fixtures in the side hoping to cement their places while guys like James Ogilvie-Bull and Craig Gillies have golden opportunities to make a big impact on the coaches before the Rotherham match.

If you look at the hooker's spot, Chris Pearson gets the nod but you can bet that Chris Hall will get some game time and that is a really competitive position for the two lads because they've both been excellent this season.

We were all disappointed for Christian Evans that he will be out for a while with a collarbone injury but it does give Jim Jenner, Richard Nias and Neil Mason the chance to come in and catch the eye. Christian has been a model of consistency in whatever position he has occupied so it is a blow for us but also for him because everyone wants to play in that Rotherham match. The important thing for him now is that he gets himself right and comes back even stronger.

I was pleased for my half-back partner Tim Walsh in the Manchester game. He enjoyed himself and looks a quality acquisition for the squad. Craig Chalmers has been playing very well all season so there is another big decision ahead for John Brain and Andy Keast - I don't envy them!

One decision which may prove to be out of their hands surrounds Ben Hinshelwood. Ben has again been included in the Scotland squad to face the mighty South Africa at Murrayfield on Saturday and therefore is unavailable to ourselves. Scotland also play another game next Sunday when they line-up against Fiji and if Ben is picked for that squad -- he will miss the Rotherham clash. That would be tough on him but it is a great honour to represent your country and something which shouldn't be taken lightly.

Anyone thinking we'll be taking Wakefield lightly will be in for a big shock. They deserve our utmost respect and we shall be 100 per cent focused on them come kick off. Only after we have collected five points and performed professionally can we start to think about that trip to Millmoor.