by Brendan Bradford –

Eastwood vs Warringah at T.G. Millner Field, Saturday June 7 Kick-off 3:10pm (ABC Game)

Eastwood – 1. Jed Gillespie 2. Hugh Roach 3. Guy Millar 4. James Neale 5. Andrew Clyne 6. Michael Kovacic 7. Hugh Perrett 8. Pat Sio 9. Shanin Proctor 10. Jai Ayoub 11. Nick Batger 12. Tom Hill 13. Michael McDougall 14. John Grant 15. Ben Batger

Warringah – 1. Richard Southan 2. Luke Holmes (c) 3. Wayne Borsak 4. Ben Adams 5. Junior Palau 6. Martin Collins 7. Boyd Killingworth 8. Sam Crompton 9. Josh Holmes 10. Hamish Angus 11. Harry Jones 12. Tui Tuisavaii 13. Michael Adams 14. Sireli Tagicakibau 15. Dave Feltscheer

Referee: Ed Martin

Read the full Rugby News match preview here: https://rugbynews.net.au/shute-shield-warringah-face-tough-test-away-to-woodies/

********************

West Harbour v Gordon at Drummoyne Oval 5:15pm

West Harbour: 1. Michael Ala’alatoa, 2. Ryan Dalziel, 3. Dave Lolohea, 4. Chris Simons, 5. Harrison Orr, 6. Tom Games (c), 7. Cohen Masson, 8. Matt Coles, 9. David Osofua, 10. Dave Harvey, 11. Tito Mua, 12. Rory Sidey, 13. Usaia O’Sullivan, 14. Joel Brooks, 15. Dylan Taikato-Simpson.

Gordon: 1. Nick Fraser, 2. Ron Hobden, 3. Tobias Guikabau, 4. Ruiraidh Wilson, 5. Jack Maguire, 6. Malelili Vukinamualevu, 7. Mitch Greenway, 8. Johnno Broome, 9. Terry Preston (c), 10. Henry Carmichael, 11. Brandon Quinn, 12. Tom Matthews, 13. Matt McDougall, 14. Sione Ala, 15. Xavier McCoy. 

Referee: Tim Wills

Read the full Rugby News match preview here: https://rugbynews.net.au/shute-shield-pirates-and-highlanders-to-duel-at-drummoyne/

********************

Penrith vs Northern Suburbs –

Penrith held on for 70-odd minutes against Warringah last week before a couple of late tries relegated them to a 34-18 loss, but there was plenty to take out of the game as the Emus search for their first win of the season.

“Those two last tries were due to their pressure in the right areas and our mistakes,” said coach Teki Tuipulotu.

“I was proud of players’ efforts, they tightened up on defence and they just never gave up. Their spirit was really good.”

Norths are just three places and nine points above Penrith on the ladder and Tuipulotu sees this match as a chance to record that elusive first win.

“We were there last week and it was only the ball retention that cost us,” he said.

“To build pressure you need to keep the ball for phases and we didn’t do that. Looking to this week, Northern Suburbs don’t travel too well, but we’re the underdogs because they’ve won three more games than us, but we’ll go hell for leather.”

Norths finally put together a consistent performance in a 44-15 win over local rivals Gordon last weekend. It was a match that saw the return of several key players and sets them up well for a potentially tricky encounter with Penrith this Saturday.

“The boys did what we’ve been asking them to do for the whole season and that’s put 80-minutes together,” said coach, Scott Fava.

“They controlled the game from the get-go and the pleasing thing was that they scored tries from first-phase as well as off five or six phases. Combining both is something we haven’t been able to do and it was good to get over the line more than three times.”

Versatile forward Ben Matwijow returned off the bench while Will Miller played his regular position of openside after playing on the wing when the side was struck down by injury the previous week.

“We also had Jack Cameron and Cam Crawford coming back into the group,” said Fava.

“We’re building it up as a final every game and that’s what it’s going to be for the rest of the year. We can’t take anyone lightly or look at anyone differently because if we lose again, we’re basically out.”

Fava’s ninth placed side has 17 competition points – five behind West Harbour who are in eighth. The Shoremen have a tough month ahead with matches against Eastwood and Sydney Uni but have uncovered a gem in second-rower Sev Domoni, whose dad Sam played for Norths and the Waratahs.

“He’s got that X-factor and he was really good in his debut on Saturday,” said Fava.

“He’s a big dominant Fijian lock and we want to see him again. We’ve left Mitch Walton at ten and moved Cam Crawford to 13 which will be a challenge for Crawf, but will show his versatility to Cheika and show him he might be a really good bench player.”

Penrith v Northern Suburbs by Nepean Rugby Park 3:00pm

Penrith: 1. Daniel Arona, 2. Ethan- Robinson Mate (c), 3. Sione Matangi, 4. Sione Pusi’aki Fifita, 5. Paea Siualangapo, 6. Senio Toleafoa, 7. Pita Tupou, 8. Andrew Pelasio, 9. Notise Tauafao, 10. Robbie Mate, 11. Malakai Zelezniak, 12. Michael Mate, 13. KJ McKenzie, 14. Peni Narube, 15. Solomona Silipa.  

Northern Suburbs: 1. Kevin McNamara, 2. Will Weeks, 3. Nick Lah (c), 4. Sev Domoni, 5. Ben Matwijow, 6. James Cunningham, 7. Will Miller, 8. Michael Wells, 9. Christian Cage, 10. Mitch Walton, 11. Richard Woolf, 12. Michael Freeman, 13. Cam Crawford, 14. Tom Redden, 15. Jack Grant 

Referee: Dominic McCarthy

********************

Manly vs Randwick –

The Manly machine rolled on last weekend in a convincing win over Eastwood that takes the Marlins to 10 wins from 10 starts and sees them lead all the stats that matter. They’re the only side to crack 400 points on attack, have conceded the fewest points and have scored four or more tries in every game but one. That’s not bad for a club with more than 20 injuries through the grades.

The side that started last week had a few changes to the one listed, and Blake hasn’t made any alterations with impressive hooker Dave Porecki, prop Chris Cocca, centre Brian Sefanaia and No. 8 Vaka Manu all starting again.

“Vaka has been a really good pick-up for us and we just need him to stay fit and on the field,” said Blake.

“He just offers a different dimension and BJ Hartmann offers some really good punch from the back and he’s taking his opportunity really well.”

Blake has played down talk that news of his departure to English club Leicester at the end of the season will be a disruption, saying everyone at Manly is focused on putting a good finish on what has been a great start to the year.

“It’s really exciting, but I’m looking to get the job done here first and foremost,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity, but we’ll get this season finished and we’re fully focused on Randwick this weekend because they have some good outside backs and they were playing the better football against Uni last weekend.”

Galloping Greens coach Wade Kelly agreed that his side played the better football at times against Uni and was left with mixed emotions after coming away with a draw.

“We hung in there against a pretty lop-sided penalty count in the first half, it was 11-2 at halftime but we hung tough,” said Kelly whose side has the second best defensive record in the competition and along with Manly, are the only side to concede less than 200-points.

“When we got going in the second half we found some space and were lucky to get away with a draw, although it would’ve been nice to kick that conversion at the end. We haven’t lost a game by more than eight points and the two tries they scored were off fumbles which was pleasing but again, we can tidy that up.”

In the middle of a tough month of competition with matches against the Students, Manly, Warringah and Eastwood, Kelly gave his side some time off training this week to allow bruised bodies to heal.

“I won’t pick a side until Thursday night when we’ll know a bit more about who I’ll have available,” he said.

“It’s a tough stretch for us and the five days off will do them good so I’ve just named the same side as last week, but expect some changes there.”

Randwick v Manly at Coogee Oval 3:00pm

Randwick: 1. Sione Kolo, 2. Alex Walker, 3. Tristan Goodbody, 4. Jesse Harris, 5. Josh Eden – Whitari, 6. Sam Figg (c), 7. Tom Connor, 8. Will Munro, 9. Harry Boileau, 10. Andrew Norton, 11. Nathan Roye, 12. Marc Kotezcky, 13. Tim Wright, 14. Pieter Englebrecht, 15. Liam Windon.  

Manly: 1. Mitch Lewis, 2. Dave Porecki, 3. Chris Cocca, 4. Dylan Sigg, 5. Greg Peterson (c), 6. Harry Bergelin, 7. Kotoni Ale, 8. Vaka Manu, 9. Mark Swanepoel (c), 10. Sam Vaevae, 11. Dane Chisholm, 12. Brian Sefanaia, 13. Mali Hingano, 14. Lui Siale, 15. BJ Hartmann. 

Referee: Ian Smith

********************

Parramatta vs Eastern Suburbs –

Parramatta’s win over West Harbour last weekend propelled the Two Blues from seventh to fifth on the ladder and right into finals contention. They’re one point ahead of Randwick and five behind Sydney Univeristy and coach Gerrard Fasavalu says it’s still a work in progress.

“It wasn’t as high scoring as last year, so that was good but it was a bit disappointing with some of our defensive lapses,” he said.

“Letting in four tries was something we didn’t want and it’s just something we need to improve every week.”

As they did a week before in a nail-biting win over Southern Districts, Parramatta stuck to the game-plan under pressure and were able to come away with the points.

“Our game management and continuity was very good and we strung together some 15-plus phases in some sequences,” said Fasavalu.

“We still need to work on understanding spatial awareness in terms of where we are on the field, but there’s always something to work on.”

Taqele Naiyaravoro was a late withdrawal last weekend after copping a knock in the Barbarians match against the Australian U-20s and Fasavalu is still waiting on confirmation of his availability this weekend.

Lani Tiatia is out with injury while fullback Tom Woods has been named but is waiting on scans on an injured foot.

It’ll be another challenge out at Merrylands for Eastern Suburbs who were simply outplayed by Southern Districts last Saturday.

“Over the last couple of weeks I thought we’d really lost the game, but on Saturday we were just beaten by a better side,” said coach Campbell Aitken.

“This weekend it’s just about physicality really and Parramatta are right up there in terms of linebreaks so if you don’t turn up physically, you’re done.”

Easts picked up a few injuries, with Richard Stanford and Cooper Chapman 50-50 chances to play but the addition of flyhalf Angus Sinclair after a stint in England will offer a lot more on attack.

“The plan was for Angus to play 20-minutes in second grade and half an hour in first grade last week, but he ended up getting injured in seconds,” said Aitken.

“He’ll have learnt a lot from playing overseas, he brings a lot more communication and the ability to play a little bit wider than what we have been doing.”

Parramatta v Eastern Suburbs at Merrylands RSL Rugby Park

Parramatta: 1. Nick Blacklock, 2. Liu Taituave, 3. Simon Lemalu, 4. Sakaria Noa, 5. Evan Olmstead, 6. Andrew Cox (c), 7. Josh Kaifa, 8. Aisea Namoa, 9. Kaleb Rech, 10. Chris Nay, 11. Alex Samoa, 12. Tui Fa’asisila, 13. Taqele Naiyaravoro, 14. Larry Hermens, 15. Tom Woods.  

Eastern Suburbs: 1. Michael Fakava, 2. Seilala Lam, 3. Clay Brodie, 4. Gab Passmore, 5. Phil Mathers, 6. Richard Stanford, 7. Ben Willis, 8. Tala Gray, 9. Steve Shapland, 10. Darcy Etrich, 11. Dan Gallagher, 12. Angus Sinclair, 13. Damon Anderson, 14. Anton La Vin (c), 15. Will Paterson.  

Referee: Will Houston

********************

Southern Districts vs Sydney University –

After a couple of losses at home, Southern Districts were back in the winner’s circle last weekend with a 34-12 victory over Easts in what coach Matt Barr said was one of his side’s better performances of the year. It’s good news for a relatively new-look side that started the season with four losses but have since dragged themselves up to seventh place.

“There are a number of players who are new to the club and a few guys making the transition from second grade to first grade and we’re just continually working on our structures,” he said.

“A few guys had probably their best game of the year. A guy like (fullback) Richie Williams who’s played half a dozen games and he’s starting to get more involved and more confident.”

With Ben Volavola another week off a first grade return after straining a hamstring in his comeback from a broken cheekbone, Williams has left Barr with the kind of selection headache every coach wants to have .

“Richie stepped up and had one of his best games after I challenged him to get more involved and make some more options for Rohan (Saifoloi) and that’s a really good thing,” he said.

“I suppose it’ll be a week to week thing and Richie could play wing, but Ben Connolly is growing each week and he’s been one of our most consistent backline performers and Faleula Finau probably had his best game too. There’s a bit of fight and a bit of depth in some positions so I’m in a good position as a coach over the next few weeks.”

Souths have lost more than they’ve won at Forshaw this year, but Barr has been able to field a relatively unchanged side this weekend with Maile Nguamo replacing Duncan Chubb who has a minor ankle injury.

If the Rebels are going into the weekend high on confidence, their opponents, Sydney University, must be anything but after a loss to Eastwood and a draw to Randwick over the last few weeks. The Students are fourth overall with Parramatta, Randwick and Souths all ready to pounce over the coming month and coach Chris Malone is looking to this Saturday’s away match to bounce back from a couple of disappointing results.

“A very big pack of forwards led by Jed Holloway and with the returning Steve Fualau, we will have to be a lot better than we were on Friday to get the result we are after,” the coach told the SUFC newsletter this week.

“Concentrating on our game and our execution is crucial to our game and taking care of each role in the team on an individual basis will help our chances.”

Dan Kelly returns from injury at flyhalf for Uni who will field yet another front-row combination, with Matthew Sandell at loosehead prop.

Southern Districts v Sydney University at Forshaw Rugby Park 3:00pm

Southern Districts: 1. Maile Nguamo, 2. Steve Fualau, 3. Tim Metcher, 4. Andrew Leota, 5. Marcus Carbone, 6. Jono Hayes, 7. Kieran Black, 8. Jed Holloway (c), 9. Chris O’Reilly, 10. Rohan Saifoloi, 11. Faleula Finau, 12. Ollie Samuela, 13. Denny Godinet, 14. Ben Connelly, 15. Richie Williams.  

Sydney University: 1. Matthew Sandell, 2. Tim Reid, 3. Sam Talakai, 4. Tom Boidin (c), 5. Tom Heslop, 6. James Nonu-Carling, 7. David Hickey, 8. Hugo Dessens, 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Daniel Kelly, 11. Henry Clunies-Ross, 12. Tom Carter, 13. Chris Ingate, 14. James Dargaville, 15. Jack Macklin. 

Referee: Richard Goswell