whose everyone tipping for the premiership and why?
1. Newington - Have an undeniably dominant back-line, with wrecking ball centres Milne, Moera and Mitchell on the wing. Lussick should be able to send them through gaps well and is very confident in attack. They don't seem to have extensive depth however, losing to Oakhill when the athletes were out, which could stand as an issue if injury hits the team. Sesquicentenary year, will come very close.
2. Joeys - Showed potential in the hit-out with Kings on the weekend, with glimpses of 'The X factor' stated above, however IMO don't seem to have what it takes to beat Newington AT THIS STAGE. The backline seems awkward with the shift of Deegan and O'Shea, and will struggle to get over the line. Forward pack is one of the better in the GPS, led by Sandell and Hanigan at 8, although again, not spectacular and will need to improve out of sight to win it this year.
3. Scots - The season is very close, and Scots could end up anywhere from 2nd to 6th. A bold change by putting Kellaway at 10 could see an aggressive attack. 16A’s were very successful last year, with players flowing through to the first and second teams. However, with 9 players from Riverview 16A’s injured or playing in the Opens, and 5 from Shore this result isn’t really indicative of what could happen this year.
4. Shore – The Clancy twin combination was deadly last year, and is sure to be more eminent this year as they grow in confidence and physicality. Jack Clancy saw the white line this weekend against Country and it will be nothing strange at the end of this season. Young lads like Olver and Woodhill in the forwards, as well as Cater and Cooke will see the forward pack more clinical and dominant across the field.
5.Riverview – An underdog side which could surprise, however the draw is heavily out of their favour. If they are able to beat Newington at Lane Cove in the 1st round, they could come close, although it is looking more and more unlikely as the ‘cricket score’ results by Newington have been reported. Moreover, a loss to them and Joeys in the 2nd round could see them at the back end of the table. Only 5 u18’s in the team, however there is still a relative amount of experience in the side, and many of the players who have been playing together for years.
6. Kings – Again, with such a close season they could easily end up at 3rd, however their display on the weekend was dismal at best. At times showing light with Davies’ at 9 and 12 dictating back play, were unlucky to have the intercept try against them early on in the game. Will certainly need to improve ahead of major clashes with Joeys again and New this season.
One of the closest competitions I think we will ever see, and a number of surprises will be sure to come up over the draining season.
Fence Sitter out.