Battle of the beaches

A huge crowd is expected at Manly Oval tomorrow and you can understand why. Derbies between Manly and Warringah rarely disappoint and tomorrow’s clash will be one of the best in recent memory. The Marlins are in red hot form and have won nine straight matches this year but Warringah know how to cause an upset and will happily wear the underdog tag proudly heading into the match. The key for Warringah is consistency. It’s cliché, but they desperately need to play for 80 minutes if they are to challenge Manly at home. It’s a game not to be missed.

Can Norths bounce back?

After going a full year without a loss, Norths have lost three straight matches and while it’s not quite panic stations across the Harbour Bridge just yet, the Shoreman will be desperate to find their way this weekend. With Simon Cron in Georgia with the Australian U20s and Will Miller and Hugh Sinclair still down in Melbourne with the Rebels, Norths’ depth is being tested and they’ll need to perform to stop a Gordon side that will be smelling blood. The Highlanders have been impressive in patches this year and Mark Philp will undoubtedly have his men up for this match on Ladies Day at Chatswood Oval.

Contenders or pretenders?

You’d expect both Eastwood and Sydney Uni to be around at the pointy end of the season this year and both sides get a chance to prove they deserve to be their this weekend when they meet at TG Millner. Both sides head into Saturday’s clash coming off impressive wins in round nine and the winner will secure their spot in the top six, but it’s tough to judge which way this one will go. Eastwood are still without Jai Ayoub, while Uni have named Jock Merriman to play at flyhalf again after an impressive return to the top grade last weekend.

Which Southern Districts side will turn up?

It’s hard to know with Southern Districts at the moment. At times, they look like world beaters but the Rebels just can’t seem to string consistent performances together. After letting a 19 point lead slip against Sydney Uni last weekend, the Rebels have dropped out of the top six for the first time this year and need a victory on Saturday to get their season back on track after losing three of their last four matches. Matt Barr has reshuffled the Rebels backline again, with Jamie Verran returning at fullback and Paul Asquith set to wear the No.13. Watch out for Parramatta halfback Waldo Wessels playing against his old club for the first time.

Finals charge starts now

Both Eastern Suburbs and West Harbour can still play finals footy this year but they need to start their charge now. While they’ve both showed glimpses of their potential, Easts and Wests still only have three wins to their names so far this year, making Saturday’s clash a must win for both teams. Easts led Warringah 27-10 with 15 minutes to go last weekend but fell asleep late in the match and were forced to split the points with the Rats. West Harbour also fell short against Parramatta just a week after beating Sydney Uni. There is still plenty of time for both teams this year, but they need to start winning now.

Can Penrith edge closer?

Penrith gave the undefeated competition leaders a scare last weekend and scored the first and last try in the opening half to go to the break down by just five points against Manly. The Emus are clearly improving, but they’ll need to step up again this weekend against a Randwick side that put 74 points on Gordon in round nine. Waratahs back Reece Robinson will start at fullback for Randwick for the first time this season, however Andrew Kellaway will miss the clash.