The Cowra Eagles were unbeaten ahead of last weekend's clash with the Bathurst Bulldogs, but a loss resulted in them dropping from the summit of the table to sitting in outright fourth.

Now, on the cusp of round six, the Eagles have assessed the start of the year and are ready to build on a favourable first five weeks.

"Definitely, we set the goal and we completed it, we've started really well," Cowra coach Dave Oliver said.

"We had a bit of an honesty session at training on Tuesday night and we have been able to identify the things that we need to fix.

"We haven't suffered any serious season ending injuries, which usually occur in the opening rounds, so full credit to our pre-season," he said.

This weekend the Eagles face the first placed Orange Emus, who despite a hiccup against the Parkes Boars, have been impressive.

Similar to Cowra, the Emus have won four from five but will take plenty of momentum from two consecutive wins against defending premiers Dubbo and most recently Forbes before their home game tomorrow.

Oliver suggested his side's mind-set will be on rediscovering their form from the first four weeks.

"We know how close the competition is now and we have a realistic view of what the next five rounds are going to be like," he said.

"I suppose there is some retribution to be had after last weekend. We'll be looking to connect the dots and really fix what let us down last week."

While not knowing a great deal about Cowra's opponents this weekend, Oliver is expecting to take on a well balanced side.

"From everything I've heard they'll be sharp and they have a good mix across the board," he said.

"For us, keeping control of possession is key and when we don't have the ball our defensive systems need to be organised, if not we'll be in trouble."

Oliver identified Bill Cummins as a player who has been impressive in the opening rounds and someone who he thinks can continue to develop.

"We weren't 100 per-cent sure who to put at five-eighth at the start of the season but we threw Bill Cummins in there," Oliver said.

"In terms of a running five-eight, I'd say he would be the best in the competition."

"He definitely has areas where he can improve but I have been very impressed with him," he said.

The Eagles will boosted by the return of skipper Chris Miller tomorrow while some injury clouds still hang over the forward pack.

They take on the Orange Emus at Endeavour Oval from 3.15pm tomorrow.