Eastwood v Southern Districts

Eastwood suffered their second loss of the season, going down to Randwick 32-24 at Coogee Oval last weekend.

The reigning premiers welcome back Jai Ayoub for Saturday’s clash, a rematch of the 2014 grand final. Ayoub has been playing for the Croatian national side in recent weeks.

“Jai is our leader in may ways. He has big game experience and makes those crucial decisions when they are needed so it is vital to have him back,” Stu Woodhouse told Rugby News.

Souths bounced back from a disappointing loss to Easts with a bonus point win against Norths this week, but were forced to work for the entire 80 minutes against the Shoreman.

“I was really happy with the way the boys responded to the previous weeks performance,” Rebels coach Matt Barr said.

“We produced the intensity and physicality that we started the season with. Sean Doyle has been really consistent for us in the forwards, as has Denny Godinet in the backs,” Barr added.

Jake Douglas replaces Angus Ryan in the starting XV, with Jason Hofmeyr also named in place of Chris Nay.

Gordon v Eastern Suburbs

Gordon fell just short again last weekend against Warringah and now find themselves with just one win to their name through the opening five rounds.

“We’ve been encouraged by our last two performances though. We were certainly the better side last week but once again we started slowly and left a lot of points on the field,” Geoff Townsend told Rugby News.

Townsend is convinced there is a ‘captaincy curse’ floating around Chatswood. Since midway through last season, the Highlanders have been forced to use five different captains in their last 12 matches.

Despite that, Townsend is confident his side can turn their season around.

“The boys know they are not far away. Better execution coupled with the luck that’s not quite with us at the moment could set us up for a competitive run,” he added.

After a slow start to the year, Easts have won their last three matches and now sit third of the Intrust Shute Shield ladder.

“I really don’t know what we have done to turn it around,” Easts coach Darren Coleman admitted.

“We train the exact same way with the exact same systems as last year. Maybe the players are more comfortable with that system, maybe some of the debutants from last year are now more experienced or maybe it’s because our key forward are fit and playing well.”

The Beasties will be without gun outside back Jack Maddocks for the clash.

Northern Suburbs v Parramatta

Norths were disappointing in a 32-17 loss to Southern Districts at Forshaw last weekend, in a match that could have gone either way early in the second half.

“We just left too many opportunities on the field against Souths and lacked execution out wide, that cost us,” Simon Cron said.

The coach said he was happy with how the side trained through the week and put emphasis on each player doing their own individual job against Parramatta.

The Shoreman need a win this week to keep in touch with the top six, but won’t have it all their own way against a Two Blues side that has shown promise throughout the opening five rounds.

Parramatta were beaten comfortably by Easts last week, however Paul Hardwick said he was happy with his side’s work this week.

“This week against Norths we need to improve our defensive effort and our kicking game. We have had a great few training sessions this week and we are all aware of what needs to be. If we can execute our game plan, a win is around the corner,” Hardwick said.

The Two Blues welcome Trent Winterstein back from Australian 7s duties ahead of Saturday’s match.

Randwick v Manly

Randwick continued their unbeaten start to 2016 with another impressive victory over Eastwood last weekend.

The young Galloping Greens side continue to improve, even without some of their biggest names and look to be a genuine premiership threat this year.

Manly claimed a bonus point victory over Penrith last week but have struggled against the better sides so far this year, losing to both Southern Districts and Sydney Uni.

While Damien Cummins was impressed with his side last weekend, he understands the challenge will be a whole lot tougher against the undefeated competition leaders on Saturday.

“Our set piece needs to be better against the stronger sides and so does our defence. Our first up contact needs to improve,” Cummins said.

Hayden Stringer replaces Chris Cocca in the front row in the only change for Manly.

West Harbour v Penrith – Live on 7TWO

West Harbour continue their strong run of form, upsetting Sydney Uni for the second time in two years at University Oval last weekend.

The Pirates have now won their last three matches and can move into the top six with a win over Penrith on Saturday.

“Last week showed us how hard we have to work to compete at that level. They boys did great and worked exceptionally hard for the win,” Neil Tunnah said.

The Pirates have received a further boost this week, with former All Black Zac Guildford released to make his Shute Shield debut.

“Zac is obviously a quality operator. We expect him to come in and be busy around the park. It’s always a boost adding someone of that quality into the side and I know he is really keen to do well for West Harbour,” Tunnah added.

Penrith continue to improve and are certainly holding their own in matches but will need to be at their best to challenge a Pirates outfit playing with plenty of confidence.

In their first TV match of 2016, the Emus and coach Jeremy Paul will be eager to show the improvements they have made in the opening rounds.

Warringah v Sydney University

Warringah held on for a scrappy victory over Gordon last Saturday and while assistant coach Ed Doyle was happy to get the points, he knows his side will need to improve to challenge the Students this weekend.

“We need a complete 80 minute performance. We have been working hard at training and if we can translate those aspects of training into the game, then I’m sure we will rise to the challenge against Uni,” Doyle said.

Harry Jones will miss the match after being added to the Waratahs touring squad for the next fortnight. His brother Max Jones has been named on the wing, pushing Seb Whitman to No.13. John Loseli, Pierce Howell and George Amosa have also been added to the starting XV.

The Students were disappointing in a 43-34 loss to West Harbour and will be eager to bounce back when they travel to Rat Park on Saturday.

After a strong start to the year, Uni have lose two of their last three matches and need a victory on Saturday to keep in touch with the top end of the table.