Panthers have picked up just the one win this season but have come close to adding to that total over several close defeats.

“They probably haven’t got as many wins as they’ve deserved. We’ve got to be careful not to take them lightly because they’ve had some good results but haven’t quite got there,” he said.

“They’re pretty formidable at home. If we want to mix it at the end of the year we have to make sure that we turn up for this one.”

Rebels were solid in defeat to Orange Tigers last week.

Bushrangers were left to regret a poor start but recovered to go toe-to-toe for the rest of the game.

Grundy said the team need to build on that performance in their bid to take back a top two spot.

“All in all I think the boys will agree that we’ve played some good football in amongst our wins and losses. It’s just about minimising those periods where we lose our way,” he said.

“The Rebels have had a fantastic squad this year. Blokes have had to play in positions they’re unfamiliar with but players have been doing their job.

“I don’t think we’ve had too many games with everyone available but hopefully over this last month everything will start coming together for us.

“Sitting in third we’re still really excited about what we can achieve.”