Their upcoming match against Bathurst City at George Park 2 over the next two weekends shapes up as possibly the most important game in the remaining regular reason - having the potential to shape the finals destiny of both clubs.

Rugby Union were knocked off the top step by St Pat's Old Boys over the course of their bye but have the chance to retake that position should they beat Redbacks. In doing so it would become mathematically impossible for Rugby to slip outside the top three.

However, a loss leaves the door open for Rugby to slip as far as fourth by the end of the round, which showcases just how close the finals race is.

Jameel Qureshi and Rugby Union are looking forward to getting back on the field.

"Redbacks play great together as a team and that's a big key. It's going to be a good game, that's for sure," he said.

"It's a big week given the setup of the ladder and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds."

Due to rain in the Twenty20 portion of the season Rugby Union and Bathurst City have met just the once this season.

Rugby Union won that one-day meeting in what was their first glimpse of Redbacks' new-look lineup.

Qureshi said the returning core group can still be one of the most damaging collection of players if given free rein.

"I think it's been a while in the making but they're still a really great side," he said of Redbacks' senior players departures from the start of the season.

"Joey Coughlan and Ben Orme are still there. Mocko's [Clint Moxon] there as well. There's some great young players there and underrated players.

"With Mark Day and [Aditya] Adey there's a quality side there. You have to make sure you show up otherwise you're going to get punished.

"We have to respect our opponents and get the job done."

This match will be just the second of two games this season that will be held on George Park 1, but Rugby have the advantage of being involved in that contest against Centennials Bulls back in round two.

Rugby go into the game on 30.1 points, which was the leading total until St Pat's passed them last round to be on 37.31 points.

That means a first innings victory, worth eight points, will be enough to put Rugby back on top.

This is the last match for the fourth-placed Redbacks before their final round bye, putting extra pressure on them to reap every point they can from the game.