Photo: Karen Watson Photography

Warringah v Manly – Live on 7TWO

Warringah host competition leaders Manly in the return bout of the Battle of the Beaches at Pittwater on Saturday.

Despite having lost just one match this season, Manly coach Damien Cummins is doing his best to claim the underdog tag ahead of Saturday’s local derby.

“The Rats are the team to beat at the moment, they are looking really good. They beat Souths down at Souths which is pretty tough to do.”

After losing to Manly by eight points in round ten, Warringah have won their last four matches and will be tough to beat in front of a parochial Pittwater Park crowd.

A number of players from both sides spent Wednesday night at the North Harbour Rays first training session of 2015, adding further interest to this weekend’s clash.

“There was plenty of banter. It was all fun and games at training but I think it’ll be pretty different of Saturday,” Rats forward Sam Ward told Rugby News.

The battle of the halves – Holmes/Angus v Lucas/Lane – could decide this one.

Catch all the action live on 7TWO from 3pm this Saturday.

Southern Districts v Randwick

Southern Districts returned to their best with a bonus point win over Sydney Uni last week, but said goodbye to flyhalf Ben Volavola after the match with the 24 year old joining the Fijian national side before linking with the Crusaders.

Jordan McGregor replaces Volavola at 10, with Ben Connolly also making his first start of the season at fullback.

“Jordy’s just one of those guys that looks like he has all the time in the world. He organises very well, he’s got a very good pass, very smart kicking game and really good at managing how we want to play.”

Randwick snuck home against Easts last week and will need to improve heading into matches against Souths, Eastwood and Manly in the final three rounds.

“We are expecting Souths to be very physical. They have a big pack that go forward and backs with speed that can score from anywhere,” Shannon Fraser told Rugby News.

Andrew Deegan will start at flyhalf, with Dave Horwitz shifting to inside centre.

Parramatta v Penrith

Both Parramatta and Penrith will be desperate to claim victory when they meet at Merrylands tomorrow.

The Two Blues have been improving week after week and have been extremely unlucky not to claim several wins in the past month. Whilst on paper, they may start as favourites in the Western Sydney derby, coach Gerrard Fasvalu knows not to take the Emus lightly.

“They always seem to grow an extra arm and leg against us, so you never know what you are going to get. We are expecting the unexpected.”

For Penrith, a win would be monumental after what has been a difficult season at Nepean.

The Emus know Parra are tough to beat at home and are looking for an 80 minute performance

Flanker Sione Pusi’aki Fifita was brilliant with two great individual tries last week – one to watch.

Eastern Suburbs v Eastwood

Easts were unlucky not to upset Randwick last week and continue to show signs of improvement at the back end of the season.

Darren Coleman has handed a number of future stars their first grade debuts in recent weeks and they are yet to disappoint, but may find things a little more difficult against the reigning premiers.

Eastwood overcame a slow start last week to claim a bonus point win over West Harbour and remain in the hunt for the minor premiership.

The Woodies will be without flyhalf Jai Ayoub for Saturday’s clash, with Blake Sutton starting at 10.

Northern Suburbs v West Harbour

Norths were disappointing against Manly last week, but showed glimpses of brilliance to give their fans hope of finals football in 2015.

After last week’s loss, Saturday’s clash is a must win for the Shoreman, who sit in seventh on the Intrust Shute Shield ladder.

“We gave away far too much possession last week, so we’ve been working on maintaining possession and reducing unforced errors,” Simon Cron told Rugby News.

Similarly to Norths, West Harbour showed promise at times last week against Eastwood, but weren’t good enough to take victory. They also must win to keep any hopes of finals footy alive.

Sydney University v Gordon

Sydney Uni were disappointing against Souths last week, but welcome back Tolu Latu, Paddy Ryan, Jeremy Tilse and Tom Carter for Saturday’s match at University Oval.

Not a bad few inclusions.

“We’ve been concentrating on getting some momentum through doing the basics well,” Chris Malone told Rugby News.

“Defensively we have lacked some punch so we will be looking to be much better in that area this week.”

Gordon kept their finals hopes alive with a 49-40 victory over Parramatta last week.

Unfortunately, the Highlanders have been rattled with injuries, with coach Geoff Townsend telling Rugby News there were more player unavailable than available for this weekend’s match.

A number of young players will be given an opportunity in the top grade in the final three matches. Halfback Pat Curtin impressed last week and is one to watch.