The home side are set for a challenging showdown when they meet the Wagga Agriculture College in Wagga on Saturday.

It comes after the Southern Inland Rugby Union competition had a general bye round last weekend.

The Steamers will head into the game with virtually the same side they had when they defeated Wagga City in round seven.

However, the home team will face the absence of James Devlin for the next few weeks due to work and study commitments.

Front rower Tim Carroll also remains off the field due to injury concerns.

Steamers coach Paul Musarra said recent winning form has helped the group build up confidence heading into tough matches like this weekend.

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"We're happy with the way we're playing and everyone's looking forward to it," Musarra said.

"Obviously we're going out to get a win, but if we don't win, we at least want to get close and push them.

"We know what they're going to throw at us.

"When you play the top sides in the competition it's going to be tough.

"It's all about sticking to what we've been trying to achieve."

The Steamers will then face another benchmark side in the competition when they meet the Waratahs for the second time this season.