Barbarians are confident they can finish the rugby union season on top of the ladder despite being on the lookout for new players to boost their squad.
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Club president Adam Buzzo said the Darwin competition moving to the wet season had drawn players away from Katherine, damaging every club's roster in the town.
"It's been a struggle for numbers, I think that's across the board for all three clubs," he said.
"A lot of blokes have decided to go to Darwin, the Northern Territory Rugby Union have moved the Darwin comp to a wet season comp as well.
"We won't say no to any new players."
He said lifestyle choices were the main reason for people picking Darwin over Katherine.
Mr Buzzo said some Barbarians players had even been caught up in COVID-19 border restrictions.
Two players are currently spending time in Howard Springs quarantine, after returning from interstate trips during the Christmas period.
Injuries have also prevented some experienced players from taking to the field, but despite the setbacks Mr Buzzo said he is confident the team can improve on their current ladder position.
"Pirates have proven they're the team to beat this year," he said.
"We're sitting pretty good, we're happy, we've beaten Brahmans every time we've played them, we're about one game under Pirates."
Pirates are five points clear on top ahead of second placed Barbarians, but Mr Buzzo thinks the gap can be closed.
"It's going to be tough, but yeah, I think we do have the young players and the skill levels to match them," he said.
Barbarians were helped by a late forfeit from Pirates before last week's game between the two sides, the first since the Christmas break.
Pirates are still top of the ladder with four wins and 18 points, while Barbarians are second with three wins and 13 points.
Brahmans sit bottom of the ladder with no wins and just one point.
The regular season will continue until the finals kick off in late March.
Mr Buzzo said he was also happy with the women's team and competition, which has been developing for several years.
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