Saturday, October 14th – Neptune Oval – 4pm Kick Off
- UNSW Raiders (2-3) vs. UTS Gators (5-0)
- (Last Season RAI 28 – 6 UTS)
Just before I continue, the GNSW website says this match will be held at David Phillips. However due to concern for player safety, the game will now be held at Neptune Oval.
Here’s a matchup between two teams that were on very different ends of the table last season. This time last year, the Raiders were enjoying a handful of wins and trailing right behind Sydney Uni on the table, whilst the Gators had only 1 win on their record and were trying desperately to get a last-ditch playoff berth. This time around, the Gators have bolstered their D and O with key players who have kept them undefeated. The Raiders are a shadow of their former selves, barely beating teams they ran over last season. Back the Gators at home in this one.
Choc’s Prediction: UTS by 7
Saturday, October 14th – Lidcombe Oval – 3pm Kick Off
- Wollongong Mustangs (1-1-2) vs. West Sydney Pirates (4-0)
- (Last Season: WOL 8 – 56 WST)
When they last met, it was in week 3 of the 2016 season. Both teams were just getting into the rhythm of their season and the Pirates threw down the gauntlet and showed the entire league that they aren’t to be trifled with. This time around, I don’t see the outcome being any different. The Pirates are undefeated for a reason; they have incredible weapons on offense and an intelligent, experienced QB in David Ward leading his team. The D showed some holes last week against the Seahawks so if the ‘Stangs can capitalise, they may be able to pile on the points. But stick with what you know in this one, go with the Pirates.
Choc’s Prediction: WST by 14+
Saturday, October 14th – Lidcombe Oval – 6pm Kick Off
- Northwestern Predators (1-3) vs. Central Coast Sharks (1-1-3)
- (Last Season: NWP 30 – 28 CCS)
This was a HUGE game last year, with an absolute stunning finish. The outcome of this game basically dropped the Sharks from playoff contention so they will be looking to get revenge. With an offense that boasts the great dual threat QB Jordan Nikora, RB Nathan Thompson and WR Jake Humphreys, they will be a tough team to beat. The Preds will come into this one hungry to get back into the Win column after 3 losses on the trot. Get down to the home of Rugby League, Lidcombe Oval, and check this one out, you won’t want to miss it.
Choc’s Prediction: 😉
Saturday, October 14th – Melwood Oval – 3pm Kick Off
- Newcastle Kings (1-1-3) vs. Nepean Ducks (1-1-2)
- (Last Season NEW 26 – 53 NEP)
After receiving a thumping by the defending champions, the Ducks are coming back into this one looking to secure their place in the middle of the table and hopefully make a case for a playoff spot. The Kings are in a similar boat and will look to dominate with their strong run game by RB Hayden Yates and their big O Line. I can see the Ducks move the ball through the air with QB Emil Johannsen and his number 1 receiver, WR Grant McNaughton. This one should be a great clash!
Choc’s Prediction: NEP by 3
Saturday, October 14th – Melwood Oval – 6pm Kick Off
- North Sydney Rebels (2-3) vs. Sutherland Seahawks (1-3)
- (Last Season: DNP)
Here it is. The battle of the beaches. North vs South. Manly vs Cronulla. I actually wish I could go check this one out. I think both teams are very evenly matched and are gonna give each other a hell of a challenge. The Rebels are missing their key LB Daniel Pearson to personal commitments but I think they have adapted well to filling in the void he left. Last week they moved their O around and slotted in Mitch Kirk at QB and it worked out quite well for them so it won’t surprise me if they go back to him at play caller this week. However, the Seahawks D shouldn’t be trifled with, with some key players in their secondary who could turn the tide in this one. I might be giving a biased opinion but I’m going with the lads from the Northern Beaches in this one.
Choc’s Prediction: REB by 7
**Sydney University have the Bye this week
*Photo Credit: Elissa Manera
