NSW Cup Previews - Round 8

North Sydney Bears Vs Western Suburbs Magpies
North Sydney Oval, Sunday, May 1
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Michael Laverty
Broadcast: NSWRL Match of the Round to be aired on Fox Sports 2 HD and Fox Sports 2, Wednesday, May 4, 4.30pm

Summary: The Bears should be a rejuvenated side after they had their second bye of the season last weekend while the Magpies will have revenge on their minds after being handsomely beaten by the Bears at Campbelltown back in Round Three. The Magpies stats for the year doesn’t make for pretty reading unfortunately, they are statistically the poorest attacking team in the competition and only Windsor have conceded more points than they have this year and in fairness to the Wolves they have played one more game than the Magpies. Norths have shown signs of improvement early on in 2011 but if you were to take their victory against the Magpies away, they would be winless for the year, so we can’t get too carried away with their form either to be honest.
Game Breaker: Fetuli Talanoa – Fetuli may think he is a little stiff to find himself in the NSW Cup after being one of the NRL’s leading tackle busters early on in the season. But regardless of his feelings about how it is he has come to find himself in the NSW Cup, he will know that the quickest way to get back into the Souths line up is to star for the Bears on the weekend.
Prediction: The Bears should be able to post their second win of the year here against the Magpies.


Auckland Vulcans Vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Mt Smart Stadium, Saturday, April 30
Kick-off: 11.00am (NZST) 1.00pm (EST)
Referee: Leon Williamson
Summary: One meets two in a top of the table clash at Mt Smart Stadium to kick off proceedings in Round Eight of the NSW Cup. And with just the one loss between the two sides thus far in 2011 there is little doubt that this looks to be the match of the round. The competitions best attack in the Vulcans will face off against the best defence in the Bulldogs, and when you throw in a plethora of stars you have the makings of a real classic. Godinet Vs Reynolds, Johnson Vs Roberts and Robinson Vs Foster are just a few of the mouth watering match ups that awaits the Auckland faithful that will be in attendance on Saturday. The Bulldogs will be without the services of the competitions leading tryscorer in Michael Lett yet find themselves in the enviable position of being able to bring in a player like Heka Nanai in his place. No interruptions to the Warriors side means the Vulcans have the luxury of fielding a similar team to the one that dispatched of the Magpies at Campbelltown last weekend.
Game Breaker: Joel Moon – A player of wonderful ability, Moon is one of those players who has found it difficult to solidify his place in the NRL yet regularly dominates opposition when playing in the NSW Cup. A great ball runner with the ability to kick and pass, Moon must be watched closely by his opposite number and his clash here against Jonathan Wright promises to be a match defining one.
Prediction: Find it hard to tip against the Bulldogs in this competition, so will stick with them here but a home victory would certainly not shock.

Balmain Ryde-Eastwood Tigers Vs Cronulla Sharks
Leichhardt Oval, Saturday, April 30
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Luke Phillips
Broadcast: www.nswrl.com.au’s Weekend Game-Cast, proudly brought to you by Teamm8
Summary: An intriguing clash here as the high flying Sharks head north to Leichhardt to face what should be a desperate Tigers outfit. Coming off the back of a 22-0 loss at the hands of the Jets, the Tigers find themselves in the unfamiliar position of eighth and are four points plus some considerable for and against away from the top four at present. Conversely the Sharks sit comfortably inside the top four after dispatching an out of sorts Wenty team at Toyota Stadium last weekend. The Sharks will be without the services of both Tim Smith and Isaac Gordon who have both been recalled to the NRL as replacements for Albert Kelly and Nathan Gardner respectively while the Tigers are still trying to sort out their halves situation following the departure of Blake Lazarus and Darren Nicholls in the off season. There is little doubt that there is plenty of talent in this Tigers squad but surely their fans would be getting frustrated with some of their sub-standard performances to start the season.
Game Breaker: Scott Porter – The 2010 NSW Cup ‘Player of the Year’ has had a slow start to the season, predominantly due to injury, but it has not taken him long to start to put his stamp on this year’s side. While the Sharks have been winning matches with the halves combination of Smith and Blair for the most part, there is little doubt that a fit and healthy Scott Porter commands one of those jerseys.
Prediction: If the Sharks can overcome the disruptions to their side they should be claiming the two competition points.

Manly Sea Eagles Vs Newtown Jets
Brookvale Oval, Saturday, April 30
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Henry Perenara
Broadcast: Triple H 100.1FM (Link available via www.nswrl.com.au’s Weekend Game-Cast)
Summary: The Manly Sea Eagles will be ruing the one that got away after going down to the Centurions at Ausgrid Stadium last week, despite seemingly having the game under control with around twenty minutes remaining. Unfortunately three late Centurions tries combined with some errant goal kicking from the Sea Eagles handed the Centurions an unlikely win. And things don’t get much easier here as they square off against a Jets side that will be full of confidence following a professional win over a disappointing Tigers side at Henson Park last Saturday. The Jets unveiled their latest addition last week in former Tiger, Blake Lazarus, and it paid immediate dividends with the halfback scoring against his old club while for Manly, Dean Whare was good again last week in only his third game of the year and he will only get better with more matches under his belt.
Game Breaker: Terence Seuseu – Much has been made of this player’s colourful past recently but one thing is for certain, when Terence’s mind is on the job, he is an outstanding footballer. He plays with a toughness and edge that teammates love. A handful out of dummy half, particularly close to the oppositions try line, Seuseu is a constant danger and will look to lead Manly to their second win of the year against the Jets.
Prediction: The home side is not without a shout but if the Jets can repeat their efforts of last week, they should be winning again.

Windsor Wolves Vs Central Coast Centurions
Windsor Sports Complex, Saturday, April 30
Kick-off: 6.00pm
Referee: Chris Sutton
Broadcast: Hawkesbury Radio 89.9FM (Link available via www.nswrl.com.au’s Weekend Game-Cast)
Summary: The Wolves appeared competitive against the Dogs for around 55 minutes last week but unfortunately for them they fell away late in the match and as a result the full time score didn’t make for nice reading. The Centurions would probably be the first to admit that they dodged a bullet last week against Manly and will certainly be looking to play better than that here against what should be a desperate Wolves side. Towney should add some much needed attack to the Wolves backline while Kyle O’Donnell is set to return in the backrow for the Centurions.
Game Breaker: Coedi Towney – Towney joined the Wolves in the off season after being one the Entrance’s best in the Bundaberg Red Cup in 2010. Injury has postponed his season to this point but given that he is now fit and healthy, opposition defences best beware.
Prediction: The Centurions got out of jail last weekend against Manly and perhaps have peaked on their early season performances at present. Windsor’s form has been too bad to believe and they desperately need the points. The Wolves in a close one.


Wentworthville Magpies have the BYE

Wests Tigers Draw - Round 8 to Round 18

The popularity of the Wests Tigers has seen Channel Nine select the Club for another Friday night free to air match.The NRL today released the schedule of matches for round 18 of the Telstra Premiership.
Wests Tigers will play Parramatta Eels at Parramatta Stadium on Friday, July 8, at 7.35pm.
The match will be shown live on Channel 9, giving Wests Tigers more valuable free to air exposure. Wests Tigers have five Channel 9 matches coming up.


Upcoming matches
Rd 8: vs Canberra, Canberra Stadium, Sunday, May 1, 2pm (Fox Sports 2 Live)
Rd 9: Bye
Rd 10: vs Souths, ANZ Stadium, Saturday, May 14, 7.30pm (Fox Sports 2)
Rd 11: vs Penrith, Campbelltown Stadium, Saturday, May 21, 7.30pm (Fox Sports 2)
Rd 12: vs Dragons, WIN Jubilee Oval, Sunday, May 29, 3pm (Ch 9)
Rd 13: vs Newcastle, Leichhardt Oval, Monday, June 6, 7pm (Fox Sports 2)
Rd 14: vs Warriors, Mt Smart Stadium, Sunday, June 12, 4pm (Ch 9), 2pm Sydney.
Rd 15: vs Melbourne Storm, Leichhardt Oval, Sunday, June 19, 3pm (Ch 9)
Rd 16: vs Bulldogs, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Friday June 24, 7.35pm (Ch 9)
Rd 17: Bye
Rd18: vs Parramatta, Parramatta Stadium, Friday, July 8, 7.35pm (Ch 9).

Wests Bow Out of Harrold Matthews and S.G. Ball

Wests Magpies Harold Matthews and SG Ball teams entered the elimination finals
on Saturday 23 April 2011. Our Harold Matthews boys, who finished 6th traveled
north to take on Newcastle who finished 3rd at the end of the regular season.
The game was an even affair, but in the second half the Knights ran away with
the game, winning 32 to 8. Head Coach Ben Rogers stated that the boys battled
hard, but the Knights were too strong on the day.

The Magpies SG Ball, who had finished minor premiers were playing before our
NSW Cup team at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. They were looking to progress
further in the finals series, but a determined Canberra team, who finished 8th
proved to be too good on the day. The teams exchanged the lead on several
occasions with the game still in the balance late into the second half, but in
the end the Magpies went down 41 points to 30. Head Coach Jason Williams,
whilst disappointed with the loss, pointed out that Mitchell Brassington was the
competitions leading point scorer with James Tedesco and David Nofoaluma
finishing inside the competitions top three try scorers. He put down the loss to
his team committing too many simple errors, but congratulated the Raiders on
their win.

Both men thanked their coaching and support staff, the player’s parents and
every member of their squad for their commitment and professionalism during
the pre season and season proper. They stated they were very proud of their
team’s achievements.

NSW Cup - Round 7 - Wests v Auckland - Match Review

The Magpies came up against an in form Auckland Vulcan’s outfit who are equal
leaders of the competition following recent wins against the Central Coast and
Newtown Jets.

The game got under way at a cracking pace, but not long after the kick off,
Wests lost their Captain and back row forward Rocky Trimarchi with an arm
injury. He took no further part in the game.

In the 3rd minute Auckland scored what was to be the first of their nine tries of
the afternoon, giving them an early 6 nil lead. The Magpies responded in the
8th minute after the Vulcan’s spilled the ball following a strong tackle from the
Magpies forwards. Seizing on the moment Wests hooker Troy O’Sullivan scooted
from dummy half to claim a try of his own. Half Rhys Lenarduzzi’s conversion
put the Magpies back on an even playing field.

What could have been? The Magpies, with all the momentum went close to
score on two occasions after the ball was spread wide, but the last pass went to
ground in sight of the try line.

The score line remained unchanged for the following 20 minutes with both
teams putting on a great display of attacking and defensive football, but it was
Auckland who would break the deadlock, adding a converted try to their tally.
Vulcan’s 12 Wests 6.

In the 29th minute Wests prop David Fifita broke through the Vulcan’s defensive
line. He showed good pace before off loading to fullback Cassiano Jr Aiga who
sprinted away to score near the posts. Lenarduzzi added the extras to lock up
the game at 12 all.

I am sure most spectators would have been happy for the teams to leave the
field for half time with the score unchanged. This would have obviously been a
clear reflection of the evenness of the affair, but in the final 4 minutes of the first
half, Auckland put on 2 further converted tries to take a 22 points to 12 lead.

The Magpies never got back into the game with the Vulcan’s racing away to a 38
points to 12 lead mid way through the second half. The Magpies hit back briefly
when centre three quarter Andrew Everingham scored after a bullocking run
which was followed by a try to prop forward Leihaha Pulu from close range , but
the Vulcan’s finished too strong to run out winners 50 points to 20.


The Magpies committed too many errors at crucial times which handed the
Vulcan’s possession and good field position. To their credit, the Vulcan’s took full
advantage of the Magpies errors to record their 6th win of the season.

Scorers for the Magpies – Troy O’Sullivan, Cassiano Jr Aiga, Andrew
Everingham and Leihaha Pulu. Rhys Lenarduzzi 2 conversions.

Leo’s best – Troy O’Sullivan was a standout in both attack and defense. His
form this season has been outstanding. David Harris, playing his first game at
five eight also had a strong game as did prop forward David Fifita.

Players’ player – Troy O’Sullivan and David Fifita.

Next game – Wests Magpies vs. North Sydney Bears Round 8 3pm Sunday 1
May 2011 North Sydney Oval.

Next stop - Finals footy!

The Western Suburbs Magpies junior representative sides have for the 2nd year running, both made the finals of their respective competitions. Our S.G. Ball Under 18's Magpies have done themselves and our club proud by claiming the 2011 Minor Premiership.

Meanwhile their younger brothers have managed to finish the regular season in 6th place, which was only 3 competition points off 1st place in the Harold Matthews Under 16's.

Once again this is proof of the good work Western Suburbs, it's coaches, playing staff and volunteers are doing in providing juniors in the Liverpool / Macarthur / Southern Highlands opportunities to excel at the highest levels.

We all wish the boys well in the finals!


2011 S.G. Ball Minor Premiers Squad

Top try scorers
(2nd & 3rd in competition)
James Tesesco 12 tries
David Nofoaluma 11 tries

Top point scorer
‘Highest in competition’
Mitchell Brassington (Cpt)
2 tries + 60 goals = 128 points


2011 Harold Matthews Squad

Top try scorers
Arthur Currie 4
Maliko Filino 4
Sinapati Solio 3
Paul Vaai 4
Mitchell Gough 3

Top point scorers
Matt Harris (Cpt) 10 goals = 20 points
Mason Cerruto 2 tries, 5 goals = 18 points

Group 6 Rep Side Announced

NSW Country Rugby League's Group 6 selection committee has announced their representative squad for 2011. Congratulations to all those players selected.

ADAM SHEPHERD THIRLMERE
ALEX PETERS PICTON
AMANO TOVIO EAGLES
BEN BAKER NARELLAN
BRYCE POISEL PICTON
CHRIS YOUNG PICTON
DAVID LOWE OAKDALE
DREW DALTON C.C.K
ELLIOT ESQUIlLANT MOSS VALE
GAVIN WILSON NARELLAN
JAMIE SZEZERNBANYK C.C.K
JOHN DESILVA EAGLES
JOSH CHAMPION MOSS VALE
KIEL SHEPHERD PICTON
MARK BRASINGTON PICTON
MATTHEW MCCAULEY OAKDALE
MEZEEN TAAVILI EAGLES
NICK CROUCH OAKDALE
SAM HOARE EAGLES
THEO LEATO EAGLES
TOM MOON OAKDALE
TROY COHEN CAMDEN
TROY GIBBS NARELLAN
WADE DUNLEY EAGLES

RIP Frederick Yanz

YANZ, Frederick Robert passed away 14th April, 2011, late of Westmead. Dearly beloved partner of Beryl, loved father and father- in-law of Chris and Rosemary, Jenny, Glenn and Sue, Gail and Trevor, Anthony and Kylie. Cherished grand-dad and great grand-dad to their children. Brother to John and Mary. Aged 84 years Forever in our hearts. Relatives and friends of Frederick are invited to attend his Funeral Service to be held in the North Chapel, Pinegrove Crematorium, Great Western Highway, Minchinbury on Tuesday, 19th April, 2011 at 2:00pm.


Frederick played for Western Suburbs1st grade between 1943 and 1948.

NSW Cup Round 5 - Wests v Balmain Match Report

Down 14 nil after 10 minutes, then 20 nil after 20 minutes. The remainder of the second half was a good effort by the Magpies who put on two tries of their own, but right on half time the Tigers scored another to take a 24 to 10 lead into the sheds. The second half saw a more determined effort by the Magpies who put on two quick converted tries to reduce the Tigers lead to just two points, 24 to 22. A mistake on the last tackle, when the ball was kicked out on the full gave the Tigers very good field position. They capatalised on the error scoring a converted try, then another in the dying stages of the game to run out winners 36 to 22. Some good signs, but mistakes were again costly. 

Balmain 36 defeated Wests 22. Scorers for the Magpies - 2 tried to Josh Toole, 1 try each to Andrew Everingham and Michael Stolk with Rhys Lenarduzzi kicking three conversioins from four attempts.

Leos Best three - Rocky Trimarchi, Troy O'Sullivan and Andrew Everingham.

Players player - shared between Josh Davis and Josh Toole.



ROUND 6 - BYE.

ROUND 7 vs AUCKLAND, CAMPBELLTOWN SPORTS STADIUM 3PM SATURDAY 23 APRIL 2011.

Round 4 NSW Cup Match Review

The Magpies traveled to the Central Coast to take on the Centurions who were
unbeaten after three rounds of the competition. The only changes to the
program were the inclusion of James Uhatafe on the wing and David Harris
coming off the bench to take the lock position. Puna Rasaubale moved to the
interchange.

The game was only five minutes old when the Centurions found the Magpies
short down the blind side. Quick hands followed which gave the opposition the
chance to move the ball down field before scoring a try adjacent to the posts.
With the conversion, Centurions 6 Magpies 0.

The game settled for the next ten minutes with both sides testing their
respective defensive lines. With ball in hand, the Magpies attacked the
Centurions try line. A quick thinking David Harris charged at the Centurions
forwards, drawing three of them to him. With players clinging on, he off loaded
to prop forward Michael Stolk who dived over the line. Half Rhys Lenarduzzi
claimed the extras, leveling the score at 6 all.

The Magpies dominated play for the next fifteen minutes or so, going close to
scoring on a couple of occasions. They kept the Centurions on the back foot
through strong runs by Blake Williamson, Rocky Trimarchi and David Harris. A
smart play followed before a rampaging Michael Stolk crossed under the posts
for his second try. Lenarduzzi’s conversion put the Magpies in front 12 to 6.

Unfortunately for the Magpies, this was to be their only points. In the final five
minutes or so of the first half, the Centurions put on 12 unanswered points to
take an 18 points to 12 lead into the break.

The second half was dominated by the Centurions. Poor ball control and wrong
options at times gave the opposition plenty of possession deep in the Magpies
half. Despised dogged defense, the Magpies could not prevent the Centurions
putting on three tries, running out winners 34 points to 12.

There was no doubt that the Magpies showed signs of improvement. They were
more than competitive in the first half; controlling long periods of play, but in the
end mistakes were too costly.

Scorers for the Magpies – Michael Stolk 2 tries, Rhys Lenarduzzi 2
conversions.

Leo’s best – Rocky Trimarchi and Troy O’Sullivan.

Next game – Magpies vs. Balmain Ryde Eastwood Tigers 3pm Saturday 9 April,
2011 Campbelltown Sports Stadium.