#SIRU2016 Round Fourteen Preview:
The final round before the finals series and the top five is clearly set, nothing this round will change the way the finals series look although the Leeton v Tumut clash is a preview of next week’s hitout.
Griffith (6) v Albury (7)
A long road trip for the Steamers this weekend, might even be an opportunity for them to take a scalp before season finishes off? From all reports, they’ve got the foundations for a solid season in 2017 if they can keep their game plan under wraps and select the right committee.
The Blacks are likely disappointed in where they’ve ended up in 2016, Coach Francis has brought a positive vibe to the club since stepping into the main gig and hopefully this is something that Kieran McNabb and the boys at Griffith can take into the 2017 season. While there’s a bit to work on, the Blacks have plenty to look forward to.
City (4) v CSU (8)
Wagga City have been playing some Jekyll and Hyde footy in recent weeks, they probably need to work on maintaining their focus and work on some of the finer points of the game in this match. City will miss James Newnian, their English prop and need to look at how they can fill the void here – Maybe a return for the Love Bug?
CSU have limped through the season this year but there are still some shining lights out at the uni for them in 2016. Dean Smart has been a solid player for them again this season and with players like Brett Wendt and Mitch Fealy, there are building blocks there for the Reddies – once one of the tougher clubs to play against and always happy to get a bit loose off the field!
Ag College (5) v Waratahs (1)
A tough gig for the Aggies coming into the finals here, Waratahs are probably keen on finishing the regular season with their perfect record intact which is a big bridge for Aggies to get over. Camaraderie is something that the Aggies have clearly taken pride in this season and is an obvious strength for them as a club.
Waratahs were slow to start last week against the Phantoms and might need to be wary of a slow start on a slow track at Beres Ellwood Oval this weekend. They do come home strong though with genuine options off the bench and while they are not as fit as they could be, they appear to be fit enough at this stage of the season.
Leeton (3) v Tumut (2) – Match of the Round
The first of two big road trips for the Bulls this weekend here but it will give them a chance to test the Phantoms out before next weekend at the Exies. Leeton will be pretty happy with a home match to finish the regular season off, particularly knowing they only have to skip over to Griffith next weekend.
Leeton played a strong first 40mins against Waratahs last week and if they can maintain that intensity for 80mins, they definitely have the cattle to push Waratahs if they meet in the big dance. Big Joe Kafua-Penne came off early for the Phantoms last week and it’s hard to say what impact he may have had on the game if he played the game out, he was certainly warming into the game and combining well with Simon Vunilagi in the back row.
Tumut are still in a bit of a rebuilding phase late in the season, with Tino Manualevo only recently returning to 1st Grade from injury and Dan Dowson out injured, it will be interesting to see how they react to this game.
Leeton have a strong forward pack who can play well in the loose whereas Tumut have a pack that may not be as flash as the Phantoms, but they like the grind. The Bulls probably have an edge in the backline with a more experienced halves combination, although the Phantoms do have strength in Stuart Dyer there. Out wide, both teams are probably pretty evenly matched from what I’ve seen although it’s been a while since I’ve seen the Bulls go round.
I’m keen to see what these teams bring to the table this week in this match but will it be a genuine representation of what we’ll see next week?
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