GNSW Division 1 Week 6 Preview

Saturday, October 8th – Forestville Oval – 2:30pm Kick Off
• Wollongong Mustangs (0-1-3) vs. Northern Sydney Rebels (0-1-3)
• (Last Season: WOL 7 – 22 REB)

Both teams are heading into this game without a win under their belts. The Mustangs fought back to just lose by a single TD in their last game against Nepean after the Ducks utilised their ground game to pile on the points in the second half. Meanwhile the Rebels are coming off a loss (but some would call it a win) against the defending champions Sydney Uni. The Lions decimated the Rebels last season by 84 points so for the Rebels to turn that score line around to lose by just 15 is a true testament to their heart and training. Last time these two teams met, the Rebels O had a dominant display, running out winners. My tip is to back them again to take the W in front of their home crowd.

Choc’s Prediction: REB by 7

Saturday, October 8th – The David Phillips Sporting Complex Daceyville – 3:30pm Kick Off
• Nepean Ducks (2-1-2) vs West Sydney Pirates (4-1-0)
• (Last Season: NEP 7 – 48 WST)

Both these teams have made big changes since the last time they met (Week 2, 2015) and it has shown in the last few games. The Ducks have bolstered their offence and their run game is beginning to gain plenty of momentum, with RB Stuart Etcell now bagging over 10 TDs for the season. Meanwhile, the Pirates have put the rest of the GNSW (as well as the defending champs Sydney Uni) on notice with their performances over the last few weeks. They have steamrolled all of their opponents and last week was no exception. The Predators are considered to be a legitimate playoff contender but the Pirates made us look like we weren’t even there, blowing us out by 38 points. Even with the changes the Ducks have made to their squad, I don’t believe they are strong enough to topple the Pirates; they will take home the W in this western Sydney clash.

Choc’s Prediction: WST by 21+

Saturday, October 8th – The David Phillips Sporting Complex Daceyville – 6:30pm Kick Off
• Sutherland Seahawks (2-1-1) vs UNSW Raiders (4-0)
• (Last Season: Sutherland did not field a team in 2015)

The Seahawks have enjoyed a week off and will come back into this game rejuvenated and raring to get the W. In their previous game, they were able to pull out a miracle win after LB Jackson Young recovered a fumble and ran it back to score the winning TD against the Ducks. It was a high scoring affair by both teams but this poses a concern for the Seahawks. They need to lock down their defence this week if they have any chance of keeping this scoreline close. The Raiders have arguably the best receivers in the league and they will look to exploit the holes in the Seahawks D if they’re given the chance. This is one team you CANNOT sleep on.

Choc’s Prediction: RAI by 7

Saturday, October 8th – Walters Park Speers Point – 3pm Kick Off
• UTS Gators (0-1-4) vs Northwestern Predators (2-1-2)
• (Last Season: UTS 22 – 28 NWP)

A matchup of old friends, this rivalry always provides heart-stopping moments and memories for a lifetime. Last time we met, the Gators threw everything and the kitchen sink at us but our D held up. It came down to the wire but the score was settled by a single pick 6 by rookie CB for the Preds Daniel Crighton (yes I’m plugging myself 😛 ). This season, the Gators are not the same team which made the semi-finals last year. They have been marred by injuries and key players have moved on to other clubs. I’ve been following this league for a few years now and it has been a while since I’ve seen the Gators go 0-4. They currently sit second last on the ladder but this is another team we can’t sleep on. Sitting at 0-4 will make them extremely hungry and determined to get the W and if the Preds don’t come out firing on all cylinders, we could be surprised by the result. Both teams need to win all their games for the rest of the season to either cement or just scrape into playoff contention so promises to be a barn burner.

Choc’s Prediction: NWP by 7 (yes I’m being biased on this one :P)

Saturday, October 8th – Walters Park Speers Point – 6pm Kick Off
• Central Coast Sharks (2-1-1) vs Newcastle Cobras (0-1-4)
• (Last Season: CCS 46 – 0 NEW)

And here we go. This is the big one. The F3 Derby. The Battle for the North. This will determine who the better team on the north coast is. Last time these two met, the Sharks ran away with the game from the opening whistle and it looked like the Cobras didn’t have an answer for them at all. This year, the new look Cobras team are making waves around the league and I wouldn’t be surprised if they are able to bag their first W this week. The Sharks have the chance to come away with the W again but I assure you it won’t be a blowout again, and this is nothing against the Central Coast boys. This is just props to the Cobras and their progression since last season. I’m not even going to put my prediction for this game, I think I’ll let these two teams speak for themselves on Saturday and I’ll be there to take in the action myself.

**Sydney University Lions have the Bye this week