GNSW Division 1 Week 7 Preview

Saturday, October 15th – The David Phillips Sporting Complex Daceyville – 1:00pm Kick Off
• Wollongong Mustangs (0-1-4) vs. Newcastle Cobras (0-1-5)
• (Last Season: WOL 14 – 9 NEW)

This game will break the deadlock at the bottom of the ladder, with the winner getting their first W for the season under their belt. Last time these two met, the Cobras were able to keep their lead right up until the last minute of the game, where the ‘Stangs were able to score a TD and go home with the W and break the hearts of the Cobras. This season, the Cobras have been keeping up with some of the top teams in the league, losing by 3 to the Sharks, 7 to the Raiders and 8 to the Seahawks. I think the Cobras may shock a lot of people and come away with the W in this one. But never count out the Mustangs, their tenacity will get them over the line and I guarantee this one will be a close affair.

Choc’s Prediction: NEW by 3

Saturday, October 15th – The David Phillips Sporting Complex Daceyville – 6:00pm Kick Off
• UNSW Raiders (5-0) vs. Northern Sydney Rebels (1-1-3)
• (Last Season: RAI 14 – 6 REB)

With both teams coming off good wins last week, this one is sure to be a great game. The Rebels are coming off their first W of the season after beating the Mustangs at home. Their smash-mouth offence has seen the Rebs even put successive points up on the defending champions; while their D, led by LB Daniel Pearson has held their own against a tough run of opponents. The Raiders are second on the ladder (behind the Pirates) and their run looks to be unstoppable. However we have not seen them come up against any of the top teams this season so this run may come to an abrupt end. And maybe even sooner, as the Rebels have the gumption to surprise everyone and come away with the W in this one. I think I smell an upset…

Choc’s Prediction: REB by 3

Saturday, October 15th –Darling Street Park Greystanes – 1:30pm Kick Off
• UTS Gators (1-1-4) vs. West Sydney Pirates (5-1-0)
• (Last Season: UTS 0 – 30 WST)

This one should be quite interesting. The Gators are coming off a shock win over the Predators last week, where they relied heavily on their run game from former NRL star Matt Utai. Meanwhile the Pirates continue to dominate their opponents with another win over the Ducks. This game will prove to be the biggest test for Utai’s new gridiron career as the Pirates defensive line are not one to be tested. They are big, mean and hit like trucks so unless Utai has ballerina like toes, he may be in for a wold of pain. Then again, I may be wrong, and QB Ben Loudon may be game enough to throw this time around… 😛

Choc’s Prediction: WST by 14+

Saturday, October 15th –Darling Street Park Greystanes – 6:30pm Kick Off
• Sutherland Seahawks (2-1-2) vs. Northwestern Predators (2-1-3)
• (Last Season: Seahawks DNP)

This game will separate the middle of the table and give a clearer picture of the playoff contenders, as both the Seahawks and Predators sit on 5 points apiece (Sutherland have a game in hand). After our shock loss to Matt Utai and the Gators (yes Oliver, I’m still salty goddamnit HAHA!!), the Preds have a big turnaround to try and secure a solid playoff spot for the finals. Standing in our way is the Seahawks who are virtually unknown to most of the Predators as we never faced them last season and most of the veterans who did have moved on. Led by HC/QB (well backup) Jason Lambropoulos, the Hawks have been able to scrape two close victories this season over the Cobras and Ducks. Injuries have also marred their season but this will feed the fire and watch them to come out firing against the Preds. This should be a barn burner.

Choc’s Prediction: NWP by 7

Saturday, October 15th –Budgewoi Soccer Club Buff Point – 5:00pm Kick Off
• Central Coast Sharks (3-1-1) vs Sydney University Lions (4-1-0)
• (Last Season: CCS 0 – 69 SYD)

Surprisingly, the defending champions have had a tough run in the last few games, barely beating the Predators and the Rebels. Of course, this is in comparison to the beating the handed both teams last season by double digits. Hopefully the week off has done Coach Ogborne and the rest of the Lions some good as they will be travelling into enemy territory this week to face the Sharks in their first home game of the season. The Sharks are coming off a strong defensive showing against the Cobras, picking up the W and clarifying who is the better north coast team. They will have a real test ahead of them though as the Lions will be looking to silence the critics (myself included!) and show the rest of the GNSW why they are the Champs 13 years running.

Choc’s Prediction: SYD by 14

**Nepean Ducks have the Bye this week

*Photo Credit to 74Poppet Photography