The ambitious tactician confirmed he had expressed an interest in a position, believed to be at Tweed Heads, but insisted that his immediate focus was on Macquarie.

“Down the track, it is something I’d like to have a crack at,” he said. “I have a theory; if you are going good enough, the game will find you. My focus is getting results here. If the game finds you, it finds you. If not, you just worry about doing well until it does. I am not sitting around waiting for the phone to ring. I’m focused on getting results at Macquarie and down the track that hopefully might pop up.”

Macquarie will be out to seal second place against an under-manned Central in the penultimate round at St John Oval on Sunday.

The Scorpions, who sit two points above the Butcher Boys, welcome back in-form fullback Mitch Manson and bench forward Tye Alchin. They have split the previous two encounters with Central, but are coming of a disappointing 22-14 loss to also-rans Maitland a fortnight ago. Last weekend was a general bye except for a catch-up game between Souths and Cessnock.

“We didn’t get the result we were wanted,” Bettridge said of the loss to the Pickers. “The boys were just as disappointed as I was. They knew some of the things that went on up there weren’t up to scratch. It has been a good wake up call. They have responded really well which is what I was looking for. I guess we will know more after Sunday arvo.”

Central coach Craig Miller will not finalise his side until after training Saturday.

The main concerns is the halves. Senior trio Brad Murray (suspended), Nathan Taylor (broken leg) and Steve Gordon (groin) are out and Kurtis Dark has been recalled to the Knights under-20s.

“We don’t have any,” Miller said. “I’m not pulling the wool over anyone’s eyes. Macquarie can come to training on Saturday and have a look. I have several kids from the under-19s we will look at. I might even run with seven or eight forwards. It is old boy’s day and the last home game for us. We will turn up with plenty of enthusiasm and give Macquarie as good a run as we can.”

Bettridge is expecting a physical battle. 

“They have some big boppers and the clash in the middle will be key,” he said. 

In the other game Sunday, Western Suburbs can claim the minor premiership with a win over South Newcastle at Harker Oval.

On Saturday, Lakes United will be aiming to build momentum away to Kurri Kurri and Cessnock will be out to keep their faint finals hopes alive with a win over Maitland at home.