Kings will host Scots in a season defining GPS first XV clash for both sides on Saturday in the final match before the representative and school holiday break. 

The two sides met in the opening round of the season when a young and unheralded Kings side held Scots, the pre-season favourites, to a 12-all draw at Bellevue Hill. 

Since then, Kings have continued to impress and sit third on a congested competition ladder, while Scots have struggled, winning just one match in the opening round. 

Despite that, Kings’ coach Hugh Perrett said there is little separating all six sides this season. 

“I think it’s the most even competition we’ve ever had. Everyone is beating everyone which is great for those following the competition but it makes it tough for us that are involved,” Perrett laughed. 

“We’ve been a little disappointed with some of our performances. We had a good win against Joeys and performed really well that day but then had a disappointing performance against Shore. 

“If you have a bad game in a competition like this, then you’re going to get beat. It’s pretty simple because it’s just that close this year.”

Kings welcomed back just one player, No.8 Issac Fonua, from last year’s undefeated premiership winning side but a number of young players, some still in year 10, have impressed in the opening five rounds. 

Perrett said he’s been particularly impressed with his front row – Hayden Lavercombe, Oli Smooth and Hasani Bloomfield. 

“We’ve got a really young group and they’re performing really well. Our front row against Newington were exceptional. They’ve got a big pack and their scrum had been dominant but our guys got the better of them, even though we lost the game. 

“Our scrum was great but in saying that, our lineout struggled a bit so we’ll be working on that this week”

All five of Kings’ matches so far this season have been decided by seven points or less and Perrett said it was pretty clear what the difference was between a good and bad performance by his team. 

“If we were talking in tennis terms, then it’s unforced errors that are hurting us. When things aren’t going well, we’re making silly mistakes and giving away too many penalties. Guys are just switching off for a split second at times

“They are controllable things but they are difficult to coach to kids, so it’s a tricky one.”

Scots were spoken about during the trial period as the GPS team to beat this season. Led by gun forwards Toby Brial and Heinz Lemoto and backs Leo Jaques, Zach Fittler and Jay McKenzie, Scots have arguably the best side on paper. 

But injuries have meant the Eastern Suburbs’ side has rarely had the same XV on the park from one week to another. 

Highly touted rugby league prospect Onitoni Large returned at flyhalf last week, but Scots still fell short against Shore 22-17 at Northbridge. 

They are sixth on the first XV competition ladder, five competition points behind Joeys and must win this weekend to keep their slim premiership hopes alive. 

“Their whole message will be around desperation this week,” Perrett said. 

“I think they’ll play a much simpler game plan compared to what they’ve played so far this year and be very direct to try to utilise their big bodies. 

“They’ll be desperate, results haven’t gone their way and before the season, most of us thought that they’d be the team to beat this year.

“So it’s a little surprising, but they’ve certainly got enough talent to beat anyone so we’ll need to prepare well and play well to make sure we come away with the points.”

In the rounds other matches, Joeys host Newington in a top of the table clash, while Shore face Riverview.

A win by either side will see them likely move into the top half of the ladder and remain within striking distance of top spot. 

Ladder

Joeys – 8 pts

Newington – 6 pts

Kings – 5 pts

Shore – 4 pts

Riverview – 4 pts

Scots – 3 pts