But coach Joe Gogarty said a win against a top four side and strong performances for the rest of the season could see the side play finals in their first year returning to first grade rugby.
The Drovers get the chance to prove they can do it tomorrow when they hit the road to take on Wagga Ag College.
The Aggies sit third on the ladder with 32 points, with fellow Wagga teams the Waratahs and Wagga City first and second on the ladder respectively.
Rounding out the top four is Tumut with 22 points.
Deni sits in fifth on 20 points.
While confident of a strong end to the season, Gogarty also knows “one bad game could cost us leading into the finals”.
The Drovers hope to have captain Saula Sabua back from a hamstring injury to help steady the ship in the important match.
But Gogarty said they will be missing prop Apisai Bebenisala, which he described as a “big loss”.
The last time the Drovers met the Aggies, it was the Wagga side who ran out 29 point winners.
“We need to play a tighter game plan and use our bigger runners, and not get caught up in a fast game like last time.
“Wagga Ag College are probably the fittest side in the comp.
“They will try to play a real up tempo style of rugby – start fast, early points and then control the pace of the game.
“We need to not fall into the trap of trying to match a side that trains three nights a week.
“Instead we must control the ball better and finish off all opportunities.”
Gogarty said beating the Aggies will require a whole side effort.
“The whole forward pack need to be dominate, especially in tight situations.
“It is a hard road trip going to the Aggies, however if we have the best possible side and play structure you never know.”
This weekend’s game follows a league wide bye.
The break can either work in Deni’s favour, or against them.
“It is always good to have time for people to recover from injuries and illness, however it does slow any momentum,” Gogarty said.
Tomorrow’s match will be played at Beres Ellwood Oval in Wagga from 3.15pm.