The Steamers have just one win from seven games but mathematically they can still make the ITM Championship play-offs.
They have three potentially winnable games to go, against Northland from 7.35pm tonight at Baypark Stadium, then Otago at home and Waikato away.
Steamers assistant coach Rodney Gibbs admits it has been a struggle this season, particularly for his inexperienced backline.
"We have had some misfortune in losing Paul Morris and Teddy Stanaway (pre-season), as well as Samisoni (Fisilau) in the first game. That has been unfortunate for us because that is the base experience that we were looking for.
"It has put a lot of pressure on the inexperienced boys at this level. It has been pretty tough on them. They are working really hard and growing as the year's gone on. It is just the experience at this level they are lacking.