Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs. Newtown Jets
Belmore Sports Ground, Saturday August 5
3.00pm
The Bulldogs will be out for a complete 80-minute performance after posting two tries in the final 10 minutes of their 30-28 victory over the Magpies.
Hosting a Jets side that’s fresh off the bye and brimming with confidence following their 38-12 win over the Warriors, the Bulldogs will be desperate for two valuable competition points in the hope of cementing a top four spot on the Intrust Super Premiership NSW ladder.
The Jets have struggled significantly over the course of the 2017 season but will be looking to finish the season strongly against a competition heavyweight in the Bulldogs. Sitting three points outside the top eight with just five games remaining, a win is imperative to keep the Jets season alive.
Look for Josh Cleeland to continue his career-best form after scoring the match-winning try in Round 21, while Sam Tagataese will be determined for another starring performance after scoring two tries against the Warriors.
Wests Tigers vs. North Sydney Bears
Leichhardt Oval, Saturday August 5
3.00pm
The Tigers and Bears are both coming off their last bye of the 2017 season and their differing performances throughout the year will see them fighting for two competition points for vastly different reasons.
The Tigers sit last on the competition ladder having not won since Round 16 and have leaked 140 points in their previous three fixtures. Boasting the worst attacking and defensive records of any team this season, they will be searching for a rare reason to celebrate with a victory over an in-form Bears outfit in the hopes of steering clear of the wooden spoon
The Bears have bounced back into the winner’s circle after two wins and a draw in their past three encounters. After showing their premiership credentials with their committed defensive efforts against the Roos, Knights and Mounties, a big victory over a struggling Tigers side will further stamp their claims as premiership contenders.
Expect another strong performance from their barnstorming forward pack, with the likes of Cheyne Whitelaw, Cameron Murray and Jack Gosiewski leading the way consistently throughout the 2017 season.
Blacktown Workers vs. Wyong Roos
Lottoland, Sunday August 6
11.45am
The Blacktown Workers and Wyong Roos finish off Round 22 of the Intrust Super Premiership NSW with both teams in opposite positions of the competition ladder.
The Workers 42-30 loss to the Bulldogs in Round 20 was highlighted by their gutsy efforts in the second half - posting 5 tries in the final 30 minutes, including three four-pointers in a rapid-fire six-minute period.
Expect the crafty halves pairing of Cameron Cullen and Jackson Hastings to return this weekend after filling the void of injured first-grade stars Apisai Koroisau and Blake Green.
The Roos can take confidence in knowing a victory over the Workers this weekend will see them claim the Minor Premiership for 2017. Expectations will be high for another clinical display from the best attacking team in the competition, with the timely addition of Jayden Nikorima and Luke Sharpe playing instrumental roles in their success this season.
