GNSW Division 1 Week 5 Preview

Saturday, October 1st – Robert Ziems Park Corrimal – 3pm Kick Off
• Northwestern Predators (2-1-1) vs West Sydney Pirates (3-1-0)
• (Last Season: NWP 41 – 47 WST)

Another rematch from the 2015 playoffs, this one proves to be another nail-biter. With the Predators coming within 5 points of toppling the defending champions Sydney Uni last week, they will be very determined and hungry to get a result on the board. This game last season was very close in the playoffs, with the Preds O charging late in the game to bring the result to within 6. The Pirates have been steamrolling all their opponents but they have not come across a top of the ladder challenger as of yet so this will be a good test for them.

Choc’s Prediction: WST by 3

Saturday, October 1st – Robert Ziems Park Corrimal – 6pm Kick Off
• Wollongong Mustangs (0-1-2) vs Nepean Ducks (1-1-2)
• (Last Season: WOL 25 – 10 NEP)
Both teams are coming off tough losses when they meet in Corrimal for this clash. The Mustangs were beaten in the second half by a strong Central Coast Sharks outfit, while a costly mistake cost the Ducks a win against the Seahawks. This will be an interesting one as the Mustangs will look to replicate their performance from last season and come away with their first W of the season, while a strong Ducks squad will be looking to cause a home upset for the boys in maroon. If the ‘Stangs want any hope of beating the Ducks, they will need to shut down the run game of Ducks RB Stuart Etcell who is close to double figures for TDs scored this season (and its only week 5!!).

Choc’s Prediction: NEP by 7

Saturday, October 1st – Forestville Oval – 2:30pm Kick Off
• Northern Sydney Rebels (0-1-2) vs Sydney University Lions (3-1-0)
• (Last Season: REB 6 – 90 SYD)
The Rebels and Lions have had to wait 5 weeks to face each other, after their initial clash (which was scheduled for the weekend of the Cal Bears vs Hawaii Rainbow Warriors) was washed out. The Rebels are coming off a much needed week off after a big loss to the Pirates while the Lions are coming off a narrow win against the Predators. If the Rebels can shut down the run game of RBs Alex Watson and Charles Adams, they may have a chance to keep the scoreline low. The Lions will need to bounce back after only narrowly defeating the Preds, and show the rest of the GNSW why they are the champions 13 years running.

Choc’s Prediction: SYD by 14+

Saturday, October 1st – Walters Park Speers Point– 3pm Kick Off
• UTS Gators (0-1-3) vs Central Coast Sharks (1-1-2)
• (Last Season: UTS 22 – 12 CCS)
The Gators have had a tough run in the last few games, facing the defending champions, a surprisingly strong Ducks squad and the new look Raiders (complete with 3 of their ex-players). They’ll be looking to get back to winning ways this week, facing the Sharks who are coming off a good win against the Mustangs. It has been a while since the Gators went 0 and 3 and anyone who knows him, knows that Head Coach Rocco Bosco is working hard behind the scenes to get his boys back up to scratch. If the Sharks are able to topple UTS here, they may be able to solidify themselves as legitimate playoff contenders again. I actually can’t pick a winner in this one.

Choc’s Prediction: too close to call

Saturday, October 1st – Walters Park Speers Point– 3pm Kick Off
• UNSW Raiders (3-0) vs Newcastle Cobras (0-1-3)
• (Last Season: RAI 49 – 14 NEW)
Last time these two met, the Raiders D Line and Linebackers were on display, forcing many fumbles and tackles in the backfield. This pushed the Cobras to work through the air where they were able to snag a handful of points but their D could not hold out the attack from the green machine. This time around, the Cobras have a new look O Line (coached by GNSW Veteran coach Paul Ryan) and they have utilised this well to force their run game on opponents so look for this to happen again on the weekend. However the Raiders have also bolstered their offense so I’m predicting QB Damon Manns to throw at least 3 TDs and the Raiders to take this one decisively.

Choc’s Prediction: RAI by 14

**Sutherland Seahawks have the Bye this week

*Photo Credit to 74Poppet Photography