Saturday, November 12th – Neptune Park – 3:30pm Kick Off
• Sutherland Seahawks (5-1-3) vs. Central Coast Sharks (3-1-5)
- Last Season: Seahawks DNP
Regardless of the outcome of this one, both teams have their final standings for season 2016 cemented. If the Seahawks win, they will solidify their place at 4th and will face the winner of the Rebels and Ducks. If the Sharks win, they will still finish 8th (as they have lost to the Predators, Rebels and Ducks) and the Seahawks will finish either 4th of 5th and still face the winner of the Ducks/Rebels game. Confused? Don’t worry, so am I! The Sharks will look to finish strong after a good start to the season. Their recent performances do not reflect the team as a whole and hopefully they will be able to bounce back in season 2017.
Choc’s Prediction: SEA by 3
Saturday, November 12th – Neptune Park – 6:30pm Kick Off
• Wollongong Mustangs (1-1-7) vs. UTS Gators (1-1-7)
- Last Season: WOL 24 – 38 UTS
In the final game of the season for both these teams, this should be a fun one for both teams who will look to end the season on a high (and hopefully no injuries). The Gators have had a disappointing season in comparison to last year. Their only win was a shock defeat to the Predators after a surprise addition to their squad in the form of RB Matt Utai. The Gators will need to bolster the holes in their squad if they are to compete at a high level next season. With the rumoured return of QB Jordan Rowland in the mix, hopefully the Gators plug the remaining holes in their team and they can go back to the force they have been in recent years. The ‘Stangs have also had a disappointing season but being the only football team in the Wollongong area, they are bound to pick up a few good players in the off season, and who knows they may become a force next season.
Choc’s Prediction: UTS by 3
Saturday, November 12th – Forestville Oval – 4:30pm Kick Off
• Northern Sydney Rebels (4-1-4) vs Nepean Ducks (4-1-4)
- Last Season: REB 0 – 6 NEP
This one will be HUGE! Both teams need to win to progress into the playoffs, as the loser will fall to 7th, behind the Predators. The Rebels come into this one after a big win over the Sharks away, as their D had a stellar performance. Meanwhile the Ducks are coming off a critical shutout loss to the Preds where they under-performed in comparison to their recent performances. The winner of this one will jump to either 5th or 4th place (depending on the winner of the Sharks & Seahawks game) and will take on the Seahawks in week 1 of the playoffs. This will be the first playoff appearance for either team and regardless of the result, they should both be proud of their achievements this season. I’ll be down at this one, looking forward to it!
Choc’s Prediction: too close to call
Saturday, November 5th – The David Phillips Sporting Complex Daceyville – 3:00pm Kick Off
• Newcastle Cobras (0-1-8) vs. Sydney University Lions (8-1-0)
- Last Season: NEW 0 – 85 SYD
After their defeat over the Pirates last week, the Lions still stand at the top of the mountain as the only undefeated team in the league… again. The defending champs now have one final hurdle in front of them in the form of the Cobras, before they can enjoy a week off. The Newcastle outfit are yet to win a game this season under HC Chris Bondin and will look to create a miracle this weekend and end their season on a high. Unfortunately, I don’t think this will happen. The Lions are way too strong and I can see them running over the Cobras again. Sydney Uni will look to rest most of their starters and play their backup players, in order to keep them healthy and fit for the impending playoffs.
Choc’s Prediction: SYD by 21+
Saturday, November 5th – The David Phillips Sporting Complex Daceyville – 6:00pm Kick Off
• West Sydney Pirates (7-1-1) vs. UNSW Raiders (8-1)
- Last Season: WST 56 – 9 RAI
Another huge clash this weekend! Both teams are fighting for the coveted second place spot and a week off in week 1 of the playoffs. The loser of this bout will drop to third and face the Predators (or Ducks/Rebels if a miracle happens). The Raiders are coming off a mixed couple of weeks, losing to Sydney Uni before bouncing back against Wollongong; while the Pirates are coming off a very close loss to the Lions. With some key injuries to the Raiders outfit, they will need to plug their holes if they are to hold out the strength of the Pirates offense. However, my money is on the Pirates and the Peyton Manning of the league, QB Dave Ward, to come away with the W in this one.
Choc’s Prediction: WST by 3
**Northwestern Predators have the Bye this week
**Photo Credit: Alex Lambousis
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