TSL: Launceston will rotate squad against Lauderdale ahead of finals campaign

Launceston recorded their second loss for the season against fellow premiership contender Clarence last week, but Launceston coach Mitch Thorp is backing his side to bounce back.

"We definitely needed a game like that leading into September because we know that those games are going to be ferocious, [we] never like to lose but [we] walk away from it a little sharper," Thorp said.

The fixture against Lauderdale is a free hit-out given Launceston's commanding lead at the top of the table and Lauderdale are adrift from finals.

Thorp is hoping to use the fixture to test his side's depth heading into the upcoming finals series.

"We will make some changes this week, and give some of our players from 20 to 30 on our list the opportunity to put their hand up and make the squeeze next week hard for us coaches," he said.

In a notable change, Launceston's Jake Hinds is set to be rested while Jay Blackberry will return to the side.

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The decision will give an indication for the player of the year award given the pair are leading contenders.

"[Jake Hinds] had a pretty big load this year so he won't play and Jay Blackberry will play ... Jay, the veteran was a bit smarter he sort of indicated that he'd play," Thorp said.

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Thorp confirmed he will be available for selection during the finals series but acknowledged the depth of key position players at the Blues.

"I am certainly available, I've qualified for finals and you never know what can happen," he said.

"There's certainly some key position players in our side that have had fantastic seasons ... my younger brother [Cody Thorp] even last week he kicked five goals in a low-scoring game and he's such a big dominating presence."