TUCABIA Opals made it hard for themselves in their Grafton Netball A grade match with the Rhino Ivories on Saturday, taking the court with only six players.

The Nibbler's been there too but left convinced the Opal is still in the rough and needs a lot more polishing to be a waterfront jewel.

FORMER Opal and current NBL campaigner Kristen Veal has been called in to give the burgeoning Bundaberg Bears a winning edge.