Saturday, September 17th – Neptune Park – 3pm Kick Off
• Newcastle Cobras (0-1-1) vs Northwestern Predators (1-1-0)
• (Last Season NEW 0 – 63 NWP)
The Predators are coming off a close victory over the Rebels last week, while the Cobras are coming off an even closer loss to the Seahawks. Last time these two met, only 24 Cobras were able to make the trip down to Sydney but hopefully they will be able to get a bigger turn out from their boys this time around. The Preds struggled to put on any points in the first half against the Rebels, this will need to change if they are to replicate the scoreline against the Cobras from last year.
Choc’s Prediction: NWP by 14
Saturday, September 17th – Neptune Park – 6pm Kick Off
• Nepean Ducks (0-1-1) vs UTS Gators (0-1-1)
• (Last Season NEP 0 – 32 UTS)
The Gators will have to pick themselves up from a disappointing loss against the reigning champions Sydney Uni last week, and hopefully the injuries some of their players sustained are not too serious. The Ducks were able to put up a good fight against the Raiders, forcing a fair few 3 and outs and field goals. If the Gators have not recovered from their loss against Sydney Uni, there may be an upset in the works… but don’t quote me on that.
Choc’s Prediction: UTS by 10
Saturday, September 17th – Craik Park – 6pm Kick Off
• West Sydney Pirates (1-1-0) vs Northern Sydney Rebels (0-1-1)
• (Last Season WST 36 – 6 REB)
The Pirates made their intentions know last week with a 48 point demolition of the Mustangs and they put the GNSW on alert as their 2016 squad looks to break Sydney Uni’s 13 year title streak. Their aggressive O didn’t let up and if their squad is not plagued by injuries, they will be a force to be reckoned with. The Rebels are coming off a tough loss to the Predators last week. They pounded the turf and were able to control the first half with their high tempo run game and this was reminiscent of their last encounter with the Pirates. My tip is the aggressive O of the Pirates will dominate but don’t be surprised if the Rebels keep close.
Choc’s Prediction: WST by 10
Saturday, September 17th – The David Phillips Sporting Complex – 3pm Kick Off
• UNSW Raiders (0-1-0) vs Central Coast Sharks (0-1-0)
• (Last Season RAI 8 – 22 CEN)
Last time these two met, the Sharks were fighting for a spot in finals contention, and boy did they deliver. They were able to set the tone early on D and caused this massive upset. I don’t think this will be the case this time around. The Raiders have bolstered their squad with some new signings and their huge showing at last week’s home game (64 players dressed) will provide the depth they need. The first game for the Sharks in the 2016 season will prove to be a difficult one but if they can bring the same tenacity from their last encounter, they may be able to upset the green machine again.
Choc’s Prediction: RAI by 7
Saturday, September 17th – The David Phillips Sporting Complex – 6pm Kick Off
• Sydney University Lions (1-1-0) vs Sutherland Seahawks (1-1-0)
• (Last Season: Sutherland did not field a team in 2015)
The Sydney Uni juggernaut rolls into Daceyville this week and standing in front of them are the boys in blue from Sutherland. The Lions got off to a shaky start last week against UTS but were able to regroup and show the magic that they are known for in the second half. Sutherland just escaped a loss against the Cobras last week so they are going to have to pull out their A game this week if they are to have any chance against the defending champions.
Choc’s Prediction: SYD by 21+
**Wollongong Mustangs have the Bye this week
