And hopes of ending their troubled season on a high note are severely threatened by a final-round opponent in search of the minor premiership.

The Maitland Pickers have been this season's big movers and welcome the Blues to Maitland Sportsground on Sunday.

The home side were in the contest against Kurri Kurri, trailing 6-4, at the half-time break at Tomaree Sporting Complex.

But they paid dearly in the second half for injuries to playmaker Cameron Cooper (ankle) and front rower Sam Webber (hamstring) as the visitors took control.

Promising signs for the Blues were the performance of rising star Nathan Cooper, who crossed for two tries.