Finals football is just around the corner, with the last round of regular season matches in Illawarra Rugby League crucial in determining the make-up of the finals draw across all local competitions. With Grand Final Day on September 4 fast approaching, the quality and intensity of football is set to peak for the remainder of the season.
The Mojo Homes Illawarra Cup minor premiership has already been sewn up by the Thirroul Butchers. They have lost only one of their 11 matches this season. Western Suburbs, Collegians, and De La Salle sit behind them on the ladder on 16 competition points. Depending on this weekend’s results, all three can potentially finish as high as second, providing a shot at entry to the Grand Final or at least a second chance the following week.
Five teams vying for top four in Harrigan Shield
There are five teams in the running for the finals in the Harrigan Shield, with the fifth-placed Windang Sharks still having a chance of leapfrogging their way into the finals. Third-placed Avondale plays Figtree (4th) this weekend, the loser leaving themselves open to elimination should the Sharks defeat last-placed Mt. Kembla.
Berkeley has already won the minor premiership. Their match against Northern Suburbs will be an exciting preview as the two teams are set to battle again in the first week of the finals.
Must win for Butchers in First Division
In the First Division competition, Collegians are near-certain to win the minor premiership, with Western Suburbs and Avondale fighting for second on the ladder. The main game this weekend will be between fourth-placed Corrimal and fifth-placed Thirroul facing off at Gibson Park. The Butchers must win by at least 16 points to steal fourth position on the ladder. With both teams having their season on the line, an entertaining match is expected to play out.
Unlike the open competitions, the finals for the Under 18s will begin this weekend, with an elimination final to be played out between Thirroul and Corrimal. This match will determine who joins minor premiers Dapto, Wests, and Collegians in the last four. Wests and Collies will also play in the qualifier for next week’s major semi-final on Saturday. The winner will meet Dapto and be given a chance at a direct route into the competition’s grand final.
South32 Women and Girls Tackle
In the Macarthur Women’s Competition, Corrimal’s women’s team has all but secured the minor premiership. If, as expected, Shellharbour finishes in second place, an Illawarra team will undoubtedly feature in the grand final of this competition, highlighting the successes of both local teams this season.
There can be no doubt there’s plenty of high-quality rugby league still to be played out as we approach the business end of the 2022 season.
Words by Russ Haylock
