Double Header at Campbelltown this Saturday

There is more reason to get to Campbelltown Stadium this Saturday as we will be treated to a double header of quality NSW Cup footy.

First at 1pm we will see the Canterbury Bulldogs take on the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks, then at 3pm the return of Sweeny and Fifita will improve the Magpies firepower as they look to turn the tables on a dismal start of the year when they play the Newcastle Knights.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Vs Cronulla Sharks
Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Saturday, June 9
Kick-off: 1.00pm
Referee: Michael Laverty

Summary: Two sides that will be desperate for the competition point’s square off here as the Dogs take on the Sharks out at Campbelltown. The Sharks were well below their best against the Cutters last week, and as a result suffered a 30-8 loss, while the Bulldogs recent slide down the competition ladder continued after they suffered a home defeat at the hands of the Mounties boys. A number of young and largely unheralded players are being offered an opportunity by Sharks Coach Tony Herman at present due to the fact that a number of their key personnel are unavailable due to either injury or NRL call ups at Cronulla and Melbourne respectively. The Dogs backline still looks to be a lesser line up than those they were fielding during the initial part of the season, however with the Dogs NRL squad having the Bye this weekend, there is some chance there may be a late change or two to this side. With this match now being moved to Campbelltown, it should be a great start to a wonderful double header out in western Sydney.

Talking Point: Put your hands up – With the NSW Residents side being selected in a few weeks time, the next few rounds loom as very important ones in relation to players pushing their claims. No doubt a number of players on display here will be in the minds of selectors, but one big performance may be just enough to stamp their ticket to Suncorp.

Prediction: The Bulldogs pack should be the difference in this one. Bulldogs by 10.



Western Suburbs Magpies Vs Newcastle Knights
Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Saturday, June 9
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Jon Stone

Summary: Western Suburbs have received a boost with the inclusions of Aaron Sweeney and Latu Fifita ahead of their clash with a weakened Newcastle outfit here at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Sweeney and Fifita will add some much needed size to the Magpies pack which will do battle with a strong Knights pack including Richie Fa’aoso, Evarn Tuimavave, Zane Tetevano and Marvin Filipo. The Knights have lost Kevin Naiqama and Peter Mata’utia to the NRL squad while Wes Naiqama and Siuatonga Likiliki remain in the VB NSW Cup. It will be interesting to see the Knights side when their NRL squad returns to full health. At full strength, Mata’utia, Naiqama, Gagai and possibly Junior Sau could return to form the best backline in the VB NSW Cup. A scary thought heading into the back half of the season for opposition clubs.

Talking Point: 'spostarsi su Francesco Totti' – Many Australians will remember Francesco Totti’s penalty goal which sent Australia packing in the 2006 Soccer World Cup. Come 2013, Australians will remember another name, Josh Mantellato. Mantellato has a boot like Totti and his Newcastle side is reaping the benefits of it. ‘Spostarsi su Francesco Totti’ which is the Italian translation for ‘move over Francesco Totti’ should be a warning for all Rugby League fans to keep their eye on this Wyong junior leading into the World Cup next year.

Prediction: The Knights look vulnerable but should still return home with the points. Knights by 26.