The Scorpions are coming off a 15-8 loss at home to defending premiers Western Suburbs.

Macquarie's football secretary Stephen Woodbridge said the bounceback factor was important this Saturday.

"This is a game that is critical for the Scorpions, to ensure they stay in the top half of the competition," Woodbridge said.

The loss to Wests wasn't through any lack of effort.

Both teams crossed for two tries, but Macquarie was unable to land a goal.

The Scorpions were without inspirational prop Danny Vaughan due to a broken arm he sustained in the first tackle of the previous game against Cessnock.

Halfback Mick Moran was also sidelined through illness.

Scorpions coach Barrie Moore said he could not fault his team's commitment.

"The game went down to the wire and with a bit of luck the result could have been much different," Moore said.

Moore made special mention of the performances of prop Adam Swadling and centre Royce Geoffrey whom he said "were extremely unlucky" not to make the Newcastle representative squad.

Moore was also full of praise for Matt Hay who moved from the wing to the bench and was very strong when injected into the game as a back-rower.

"Adam Swadling has been very strong all year and should have been included in the 20 player representative squad," Moore said.

He congratulated the trio of Chris Hyde, Blake Gallen and Josh Schmiedel on their selection, but was disappointed no Scorpions players could make the run-on side.

■ Macquarie Scorpions take on the Kurri Bulldogs at Lyall Peacock Field from 3pm in first grade on Saturday.