By MARK CASHMAN

Northern Suburbs have been forced to make a couple of late changes to their side for their match of the round game against Southern Districts on Saturday

Skipper Nick Palmer was pencilled in to make a return from a head knock but a setback at training midweek has seen him pull out, while Reece Mau’u has not recovered enough to take his place on the wing.

The other big game of the weekend is the clash between Gordon and Sydney Uni at Chatswood Oval.

Elsewhere Randwick take on Manly, Hunter Wildfires host Warringah, West Harbour play the Western Sydney  Two Blues and in the final game Easts will host Penrith at Woollahra.

Here’s how Saturday’s big games could pan out:

NORTHERN SUBURBS V SOUTHERN DISTRICTS at Pittwater Rugby Park

Northern Suburbs will be without their skipper Nick Palmer for their big 7TWO TV match of the round game against Southern Districts on Saturday.

Palmer had been named by head coach Earl Va’a earlier in the week to make his return in the second row against the Rebels but that was put on hold after setback at training midweek.

The former Waratah copped a head knock against the Hunter Wildfires at Bon Andrews Oval in Round Five and is following the strict medical protocols set down by the club’s medical staff.

Palmer was going to start the game, get some minutes under his belt and then be replaced by the in form Dave Henaway, fresh off the bench.

Henaway will now start and team with Declan Carroll who has grown immeasurably in his time stepping in to Palmer’s shows sin recent weeks, his defence a feature of his play.

The other late change to the Norths side for Saturday is the withdrawal of Reece Mau’u with a leg injury sustained against Gordon ands he has been replaced by Kepu Lokotui.

Va’a is wary of the dangers that Souths will present at set piece time.

“They have one of the best scrums in the competition and their lineout is first class,” Va’a said.

“That means that we will have to win our own ball at both scrum and lineout and then be aware of their big bodies that they will run at use.

“Defensively we have got to understand who we are defending against, whether that be against their tight forwards or when their playmakers dump the ball lout the back in attack.”

Souths coach Todd Louden said they were heading to Rat Park with an open mind.

“I’ve got to say that we a team that is playing with absolutely nothing to lose,” Louden said.

“Whether that makes us dangerous I’m not sure at this stage but we will turn up and give it a go and see what happens.

“We’ve got another run on debut in No.6 Damon Foley from our colts so as I have been telling you we are exposing a hell of a lot of guys to first grade footy which is great.”

The emphasis of much of the Souths game will be on their scrum with Tetera Faulkner, Andrew Tuala and Tim Metcher all starting.

Souths do have the ability to hang in games and they do take their opportunities.

Field position will be critical to the way that this game pans out because if Norths get pinned in their own red zone the scrum and the referee’s yellow card could come into play.

Va’a has been happy with the Norths scrum and the work of his props German Haeffeli and Dewald Dekker but this will be a huge test and a preview of what lies ahead in the finals.

Souths path to the finals will be dictated by the way that this game plays out, if they lose they could drop off the back of the top six peloton, it will be a great contest. 

NORTHERN SUBURBS (1-15): 

German Haeffeli, James Margan, Dewald Dekker, Nick Palmer (c), Declan Carroll, Brad Hemopo, Charlie Jeavons-Fellows, Hugh Sinclair, Nick Duffy, Angus Sinclair, Reece Mau’u, Harry Burey, Nathan Russell, Cam Clark, Max Burey.

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS (1-15):

Tetera Faulkner, Andrew Tuala, Tim Metcher, Patrick Kuenzle, Jake Douglas, Damon Foley, James Finch, Sama Malolo, Cooper Chambers, Christian Kagiassis, Zak Hickey, Viliami Latu, Nathan Lawson, Deon Evans-Ao, Brandon Finnegan.

LAST TIME: Northern Suburbs W 35-28, June 1 2019.

GORDON V SYDNEY UNI at Chatswood Oval

Gordon crashed to their first loss of the season last Saturday against Northern Suburbs but Highlanders coach Darren Coleman reckons that good things will flow from that as the finals loom.

The Highlanders take on Sydney Uni in their final home match of the season and Coleman is keen to see some of the learnings from the tough loss to derby rivals Norths show out against the Students.

“We learnt some great lessons last week on how to counter a very strong defensive wall, ones that I’m confident will stand us in good stead this week,” Coleman opined.

“That is going to have to be case this week because we are facing a Uni said that looks the strongest they have been on paper all year.

“With five contracted Super Rugby players from this year in their pack that’s a good challenge for my guys.

“If we can match them there I’m confident our backs will find some space and break some tackles.”

The Uni pack does have a strong look about it with Tom Robertson and Chris Talaki forming a pretty formidable front row and in Josh Kemeny and Nick Champion des Crespigny there is an abrasive feel in the back row.

But Uni coach Michael Hodge was more concerned about the roles being executed rather than the names in the days before this one. 

“Doing the little things well will be crucial this weekend, against a team that thrives on fromt foot ball,” Hodge said.

“It should be an exciting contest up front and I’m sure it will be a physical one. There’s a few new bodies in the pack, but they’ve all played plenty of footy for SUFC over the years. 

“We’re looking forward to the challenge of taking on the top team on their home track.”

Coleman believes this game will be a great run through for what the finals will produce.

“Last week and this week will be great match practice for the playoffs so we’re expecting another strong Gordon turnout in what will be a good day out for the club,” he said.

“The round against Uni will set us up for a tilt at taking the club championships off them for the first time in 16 years.”

GORDON (1-15): 

Brandon Faavae-Eli, Robbie Abel, Charlie Abel/Dom Hardman, Jack Margin, Brendan Mitchell, Mahe Vailanu, Tom Silk/James Lough, Jordy Goddard (c), Harrison Goddard/Jake Abel, Rod Iona, Ahmu Tuimalealifano, Tautalatasi Tasi, Oli Smealie, Reece MacDonald.

SYDNEY UNI (1-15):

Tom Robertson, Declan Moore, Chris Talaki, Oliver Atkins, Ratu Rotuisolia, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Josh Kemeny, Rohan O’Regan, Theo Strang, Stu Dunbar, James Armstrong, Will McDonnell, Henry Clunies-Ross, Matthew Hood, Tim Clements.

LAST TIME: Gordon W 37-29, May 4 2019.

RANDWICK V MANLY at Coogee Oval

Randwick will celebrate their rich Indigenous history on a special day when they take on Manly on Saturday.

The Galloping Greens have had strong links to the First Nations community with the likes of the Ella brothers – Mark, Gary and Glen – as well as Andrew Walker and Lloyd Walker all playing with some distinction for the club.

They have struck a special jersey for the first grade side for the game against the Marlins and the names of the 10 indigenous currently playing at the club will be on them.

Dylan Pietsch along with general manager Mark Harrison have pushed the special day, which will feature a smoking ceremony and the national anthem being sung in the Indigenous tongue.

Pietsch will not feature on the field but Triston Reilly will be there in the first grade side which will be hoping to continue the momentum that the side got from their big win over Sydney Uni last weekend.

 “It’s been a really positive week of training so hopefully that momentum from Saturday just continues against Manly,” head coach Ben McCormack said.

“The Marlins have a big skilful pack and according to the stats their line out is ranked No.2 in the competition so they’re always providing lots of clean ball which is dangerous.

“Harley (Attwater) is quite an unconventional 10 so you always need to be on your toes. 

“We need to get off to a good start again and try and drive the tempo and quality of the match. 

“Looking forward to seeing Tom Molloy get a start, he was great coming off the bench for us last week while Michael McDonald has also trained well so keen to him put in a good performance with his first starting opportunity.”

Manly cannot make the finals after their loss to Eastern Suburbs last weekend but they intend to use the rest of the season well.

Head coach Matt McGoldrick spoke of the importance of developing from within at the start of the year and he has embraced that mantra.

A total of 13 of the side that runs on to Coogee Oval will have come through the Manly junior and colts pathway which is just fantastic.

Only centre Dennis Pili-Gaitau and Alex Dazell did not come through the Manly juniors and winger Harry Haywood and No.8 Hunter Ward will make their run on debuts.

“We can’t make the finals so now’s the time to have a look towards the future and start giving the young guys an opportunity,” McGoldrick said.

“The results haven’t been going our way but I am really excited about the growth that I have seen amongst our young players.”

RANDWICK (1-15):

Ruan Smith, Dave Vea, George Hendry, Nathan Den Hoedt, Tom Nowlan, Tom Piroddi, Christian Poidevin, Jeral Skleton, Michael McDonald, Ben Donaldson, Brooklyn Hardaker, Dave Horwitz, Triston Reilly, Tom Molloy, Locky Miller.

MANLY MARLINS (1-15):

Alefosio Tatola, James Hilterbrand, Conor Davidson, Max Douglas, Alex Dalzell, Van Stewart, Liam Ryan, Harry Bergelin, Adam Crear, Harley Attwater, Fraser Toohey, Dennis Pili-Gaitau, Michael Adams, Yool Yool, Jed Ibbotson.

LAST TIME: Randwick W 37-15, May 18 2019.

EASTERN SUBURBS V PENRITH at Woollahra Oval

There’s talk swirling around of the Beasties being competition smokies but Eastern Suburbs coach Pauli Taumoepeau is having none of that “idle chatter”.

Taumoepeau reckons that there is still a lot of work to do before they can even think about what is going to happen in the Shute Shield playoffs.

One step at a time is the attitude that Easts are taking and that’s the mindset they will take to Woollahra to play Penrith on Saturday.

“We’re in no position to be sitting back and chilling,” Taumoepeau said this week.

 “We’re in the top six by a single point (from Southern Districts) so no-one here is on cruise mode.

“That is why out training has been the way that it has been this week – no days off, there is still work to do.”

Easts have been able to name a Super Rugby quality back row with new recruit Rob Leota, teaming with Charlie Gamble and Will Harris.

All that Super Rugby talent in the Beasties side has meant that they are at the high end of the points scale under which the competition functions.

But there are combinations in their squad that  will keep them from flying too close to the sun in coming weeks.

Easts have been happy with the way that Leota has adapted to the patterns that the side is running and the way that he has worked with skipper and scrum half Jack Grant.

Leota has had little game time this year and will certainly be better for his 50 minutes against manly last weekend.

“Rob’s brought a bit of size. He’s a bit of a man mountain,” Taumoepeau said. “Naturally I would love to see him get a few more carries so we will see how that all pans out on Saturday.”

It has been a great week for Penrith with their invitation to compete in next years Shute Shield.

They have been making significant progress this year under head coach John Muggleton and it will be interesting to see how they come into 2021 with a full and considered pre-season.

Their scrum half Terry Fanolua will be at crux of a lot of their work against Easts on Saturday while up front if they can compete at scrum time and at line out they will be touching the bar for long periods of this game.

EASTERN SUBURBS (1-15):

James King, Lindsey Stevens, Archer Holz, Jack Digby, Tom Staniforth, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Will Harris, Jack Grant (c), Nicholas Shannon, Henry Paterson, Lalaki Foketi, Alex Newsome, Richie Woolf, Dan Donato.

PENRITH (1-15):

David Tifa, Ezekiel Seia, Macia Latabua, Lucas Castle, Sosifa Funaki, Andrew Fiagatusa, John Tuivaiti, Matthew Faoagali, Terry Fanolua, Dean Blore, Masi Fidow, Luke Nadurutalo, Jeremiah Fa’amausili, Api Bera, Joseph Faoagali.

LAST TIME: not applicable.

WEST HARBOUR V WESTERN SYDNEY TWO BLUES at Drummoyne Oval

The wins have been few and far between for their liking but West Harbour are hoping to give their supporters a special gift when they take on the Western Sydney Two Blues on Saturday.

Two wins from their nine starts so far this season means that this hasn’t been a season to remember but the building blocks for being a force in 2021 have been laid.

“We want to show our supporters how much we have improved,” head coach Mark Gudmunson said.

“We know the Two Blues will come out blazing, they have had some close games this year and this is probably in their calendar as a winning chance. 

“We think we have a team and a plan that can take the heat and then put the foot down. 

“The whole group is looking forward to the challenge. We always have good battles with the Two Blues and I expect that to continue, we can’t wait.”

The game will begin and finish in the front row with the Wests trio likely to continue their good form as they get more familiar with each other and the patterns that Gudmunson wants them to play to.

Another who is doing well for Wests at this time is their scrum half Dion Spice.

He is dictating play for the Pirates and his partnership with Patrick Pellegrini has helped the young flyhalf  come on in leaps and bounds in recent weeks.

The Two Blues have enjoyed the presence of their Waratah Tepai Moeroa in the midfield and his charges from inside centre will be an important part of the game plan set by head coach Joel Rivers.

The kicking of flyhalf Rory Garrett will also be vital for the Two Blues as they try to win there field position battle that will be needed to win this one.

A tight contest for sure! 

WEST HARBOUR (1-15): 

Sonny Satuala, Tonga Tangitau, Cameron Betham, Etienne Oosthuizen, Jordan Sharp, Damien Flemming, Kaliova Nacina, Francis Iremia Saufio, Dion Spice, Patrick Pellegrini, James Turner, Tavite Gadeisuva, Connor Chittenden, Justin Tuvae, Josh Petero.

WESTERN SYDNEY TWO BLUES (1-15):

Jacob Delailoa, Nick Blacklock, Kalafi Pongi (c), Tuitakau Kioa, Tevita Vea, Sione Fifita, Riley Jacobson, Peni Tuitupou, Liam Tully, Rory Garrett, Niko Dalivusa, Tepai Moeroa, Zac Campton, Jordan Williams, Michael Zakhia.

LAST TIME: West Harbour 41-15, April 27 2019.

HUNTER WILDFIRES V WARRINGAH at Newcastle No.2 Sportsground

Hunter Wildfires coach Scott Coleman is known for his attention to detail and he is leaving no stone left unturned as they prepare for their game against Warringah on Saturday.

When Rugby News asked him who his side would have to keep a close eye on he rattled off a number of options and the reasons why you have to be aware of which foot they stepped off and what they are like in contact.

Coleman said Wes Thomas, skipper Sam Ward, Ben Marr, Seb Wileman and of course Josh Holmes would have to be kept quiet for the Wildfires to thrive.

“But before any of those plans can come together we will have to match them physically up front,” Coleman said.

“they have talent right across the park with but from our end their danger men are Thomas, Ward, Marr, Wileman and Holmes.

“As you can see there are not many weaknesses in the side at all and I reckon that Marr is one of the most talented footballer going around – he’s a white Fijian such is his flair.

“I honestly don’t know how they are when they are on the ladder but we as a club see this as a big challenge and we are definitely up for it and ready to have a crack.”

Warringah coach Mike Ruthven said they were ready for a big challenge of the Newcastle road trip.

“They are coached by a proven winner and the Colemans are competitors and their footy teams reflect that,” Ruthven said.

“Bubba has a great career record and obviously knows how to get his teams up for big games. 

“We have worked hard this week to ensure we get off to a good start and then the challenge for us to make sure we maintain our concentration for 80 minutes.

“We will need to be clinical around our set piece and disciplined in general play to ensure we give ourselves a strong platform to play off. 

“If we do that, the likes of Josh Holmes and Ben Marr will have time and space to play their natural footy.”

There is mathematical hope that the Rats can still sneak into the final and a big win on the great surface that they will do their stuff on is a must.

“The boys are Looking forward to getting up to Newcastle and playing on a great surface and enjoying the trip back home,” Ruthven said.

HUNTER WILDFIRES (1-15): 

David Puchert, Phillip Bradford, Geraint Weaver, Jeremy Burrill, Sevanaia Rokobara, Alec Corcoran, Shawn Ingle, George Noa, Mahe Fangupo, Brendan Holliday, Hamish McKie, Taulogo Lalaga, Nimilote Qio, Taylor Acheson, Chad Northcott.

WARRINGAH (1-15):

Sateki Latu, Wes Thomas, Wayne Borsak, Andrew Davies, Alex O’Dell, Charlie McKill, Boyd Killingworth, Sam Ward (c), Josh Holmes, Ben Marr, Charlie Tupu, Robbie Nelson, Seb Wileman (vc), Esera Chee Kam, Tyson Davis.

LAST TIME: not applicable.

EASTWOOD has the bye.

IMAGE: KAREN WATSON