And what a year to return to his former club, whom he linked with again after two seasons at Narrabri.

"I live 8kms outside Gunnedah," Maunder said, "and I was travelling to Narrabri ... it just made sense to play for Gunnedah, living so close."

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The No 9 lives on his family's farm north of Gunnedah, and runs his own contract spraying business.

An alumnus of The Armidale School, he may miss Saturday's away clash against Scone with a back "niggle", as the Red Devils look to maintain their lead atop the table.

However, the 26-year-old expects to be right for the big home clash against second-placed Narrabri the following week, before concluding the regular season away to Moree.

Chasing their first premiership since 1970, Gunnedah have a three-point buffer over the Blue Boars and take a four-match winning streak into Saturday's contest, including wins over Pirates and Walcha the past two rounds.

"There's a lot of new faces in the club this year, and young faces," Maunder said, adding that "everyone's keen to play footy, especially when we're winning in both grades - everyone's keen to turn up and have a go".

Tough examinations against Pirates (35-19 away) and Walcha (26-24 at home) had left the players "pretty busted", Maunder said.

There will be no respite for Gunnedah ahead of the finals, with eighth-placed Scone beating Narrabri 15-10 at home two rounds back. Gunnedah then play Narrabri and fifth-placed Moree.

"I'd rather come into finals after big games because you know what to expect," Maunder said.

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