Saturday, September 23rd – Sydney University Square – 3pm Kick Off
- Newcastle Kings (1-2) vs. Wollongong Mustangs (1-1)
- (Last Season NEW 14 – 17 WOL)
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; what a contrast it is for these two teams compared to last season. When these two teams met last year, they were both fighting for their first win of the 2016 season and it came down to the wire. This time around, both teams have a W on the record and are looking to improve on their season in this one. Last season, the Kings fought to the death but were denied the win by Mustangs DE Josh McConnell making an interception and getting the ball for his boys. This year, both teams have seriously improved so I’m really intrigued to see who will come out on top in this one. Will the massive O Line of the Kings be the deciding factor or will the strong DL and LBs of the Mustangs stop the run and get the W? Time will tell!
Choc’s Prediction: too close to call
Saturday, September 23rd – Sydney University Square – 6pm Kick Off
- Sydney University Lions (3-0) vs. West Sydney Pirates (2-0)
- (Last Season SYD 20 – 19 WST)
Now I’ve added in the Waratah Bowl XXXII score to the “Last Season” scoreline as I think the Pirates seriously improved in the tail end of the 2016 season and this is a true reflection of how close both teams are matched. As usual, both teams are coming into this matchup undefeated and looking to upset their rival. The Lions have suffered injuries to a few key players in the last few weeks; like DBs Kennan Mackett and Nick Olive so it will be interesting to see how the Pirates try to take advantage of these gaps. And it looks like the Peyton Manning of the GNSW, David Ward, is still chugging along, leading his Pirates to victory last week over the Ducks. Could this be the year the Pirates finally topple the defending champions and begin their own dynasty? Honestly, I couldn’t call a winner in this one if I tried so my advice? Get down to The Square and watch this one.
Choc’s Prediction: too close to call
Saturday, September 23rd – Neptune Oval – 3pm Kick Off
- Sutherland Seahawks (0-2) vs. Northwestern Predators (1-2)
- (Last Season: SEA 24 – 8 NWP)
When we last met, the Preds were heavily depleted in numbers; I’m pretty sure we only had something like 18-20 players suited up for this one. We were missing a lot of starters due to injury and prior commitments. This time around, the Preds are hoping to have a full-strength team when we take on the Seahawks. The Seahawks are coming off two very close losses in Weeks 1 and 3, to UTS and the Raiders so they’ll look to snap their losing streak against us. And I guess its likewise for us, we’re also coming off two very close losses to Newcastle and UTS as well. Two very evenly matched teams with very similar history in the last few weeks will do battle in this one, I cant wait!
Choc’s Prediction: 😉
Saturday, September 23rd – Neptune Oval – 6pm Kick Off
- UTS Gators (3-0) vs. Central Coast Sharks (1-1-1)
- (Last Season UTS 14 – 30 CCS)
The last game at Neptune Oval on Saturday will be the matchup between the Gators and Sharks. This time last season, the Sharks had only managed 1 win whilst the Gators were winless. Some could say this is due to their tough schedule (Sydney Uni, UNSW and Nepean), or maybe it was due to their long injury list. Whichever one it was, the Gators have turned that around big time this year. QB Jordan Rowland is doing damage running the ball and on the defensive side of the ball, the D led by Tim Clulow and Freddie Khouiss are using their explosiveness to keep their team in the win column. The Sharks are looking to be an improvement on their team last season, but I don’t think they’ve had a proper test of their skills. I’d be interested to see where they’re at after this one.
Choc’s Prediction: UTS by 3
Saturday, September 23rd – Forestville Park – 2pm Kick Off
- North Sydney Rebels (0-3) vs. UNSW Raiders (1-2)
- (Last Season: REB 12 – 14 RAI)
As I’m writing this, I’m receiving news about the league that may change the outcome of this match. The Rebels were so close to winning this one last year so they will be looking to upset the Raiders this time around. The Raiders are looking like they may be in trouble with an ejection to their starting QB Lukas Vojnar and injuries to their 2 starting RBs Lamar Dansby and Christian Gaitau. This leaves their main threat as Max Nina so it will be very interesting how the Rebels secondary, led by Ben Lucas, combats this. I’m gonna go with an upset and calling Rebels to win this one.
Choc’s Prediction: REB by 3
**Nepean Ducks have the Bye this week
*Photo Credit: TM Photography
