It's an unusual circumstance for a grand final rematch, which both teams would normally carry high expectations and plenty of excitement into, but CSU know they will need their best game of the season bar none if they're to stop the Gorillas this weekend.

The top three in the competition have shot well clear of both CSU and Dubbo Rhinos following the previous round and it's left the Bathurst squad but hoping to put in a strong performance week in and week out - with any results being a bonus at this point.

It's an attitude far from that of the 2019 season but coaching staff member Peter Plunkett said this year's disrupted season has proven very difficult for the team to deal with.

"Once again we're struggling for numbers. The COVID-times have affected the work and study habits of the students and consequently it's a battle to fill the two sides," he said.

"At least for this week's game we get Marcus Burrell back, who adds some size to our front row, and that was something that we missed last week but there's going to be other people unavailable. It always seems to be a mixed team each week.

"Narromine at Narromine will be very difficult. We'll depend on our key players and our structures to try and be competitive and we'll see how we go."

Adding to the difficulty factor is that the Gorillas still have a lot to play for while CSU will be playing for pride.

With the third-placed Parkes Boars having the bye this weekend, and the guaranteed five points it comes with, that will force the Gorillas to give it everything they've got in order to hold onto their top two spot.

And CSU have to be ready for that.

"They're chasing a place in the grand final, much like Parkes were last week. They'll play each other in the last week to determine who goes into the grand final. It's an important game for that club," Plunkett said.

"For us, we're under no illusions about how hard it's going to be going up there. We'll be depending on our more experienced players to steer the team around in the best fashion possible."

While attention already turns towards 2021 CSU are still looking to close out their season on a positive note.

"The longer the season has gone the harder it's become for us. The sides that we have are almost external to the university, there's very few students playing and they're normally the core of the team. We're doing very well just to get two teams going each week," he said.

"This is a real test, playing a team chasing a grand final, who are a very physical side. They have a strong froward pack and that's the core of their side. We'll just have to try our best to match them in that aspect."

CSU will wrap up their season the following Saturday against Mudgee.

The match at Cale Oval starts from 3.15pm.