#SIRU2017 Round One Preview:
Folks, my input into the forum this year is going to be considerably less than it has been in past seasons. I’m struggling to find the time to put into write ups and previews but will do my best over the course of the year on this front. I’ll post results on Sunday morning/Saturday evening as scores come to me.
Check out the SIRU “News” page, great initiative there from Mick and the team to provide team lists for each week. Hopefully the clubs support Mick in this and submit team lists each week. Fingers crossed.
Griffith v Aggies
I’ve heard some good reports out of Griffith in the later stages of the pre-season, with my scouts telling me they will be well competitive this year. Always tough to get past at home, this will be a test for Aggies. I saw Aggies go round against HAC and while there weren’t too many students playing for Hawkesbury, I think Aggies had some work to do on the fitness front, the tight five is going to be a problem for Aggies who are lacking in front rowers this season. Aggies won’t lie down though and are at the stage now where they have had a reasonably consistent team for a few seasons and they should be really gelling well.
CSU v Albury
The Steamers were keen as mustard to change this game to the Friday night but Reddies were having none of it. James Olds’ wedding on the Saturday is going to severely deplete the Albury lineup. From what I have seen of Reddies to date, there are some building blocks there for them to work with, but the proof will be in the pudding over the coming season. This game is probably a good indicator of how both teams should fair for the season, they are both bringing a refreshed coaching structure to the 2017 season and I’m looking forward to seeing the impact these coaches have on their respective clubs.
Tahs v City – Match of the Round
Grand Final rematch and traditional “Fibros vs Silvertails” grudge match is an easy pick for the Match of the Round this week. From what I have heard, Waratahs have been a bit quieter this season than they have in the past but they have plenty of quality cattle there to put in a good showing in this game. City have been training the house down since Nov/Dec 2016 which should set a solid platform this year.
Wagga City have recruited well in the off-season and have secured the services of SIRU halfback Stuart Dyer for 2017. City have also raised Rambo Lagaali from the ashes of retirement and his combination with Dyer will be a highlight in this game. City are still working on a number of combinations and are yet to settle on a 5/8 with Jayden Stanton not available for another couple of weeks at this stage. James Curgenven has been a staple of the City lineup for a while now and it will be strange to see City run out without him on the field. Can they cover the direction he provided them?
Waratahs have some new names in their ranks – surely Harry Hosegood is a fake name? They will also be served well by the Shortis brothers who have been trying to play together for a while now and players like Sean Kearns and Sam Bunny will provide starch to their backrow. The playmaker position for both City and Waratahs could prove crucial in this match with neither Tom Hobbs nor Drew Martin being traditionally strong 10’s.
Leeton v Tumut
A big trip first up for the Bulls here but they’ve got to do it sometime! Leeton were impressive throughout the pre-season in the various Ten a side competitions out there, can they transfer this ability to the 15 a side format? From all reports, Tumut have some work to do on their fitness which may hinder their competitiveness early on in the season. There are some familiar faces named in the Bulls lineup but their most notable omission is Tino Manualevo and they’ll miss him this season. While there are some fresh faces in both teams here, a highlight for this match will be the showdown between Simon Vunilagi and Dan Dowson in the loose.