The Harrigan Cup returns this Saturday with Round 7 action following a general bye last week. Dapto will host De La Salle at Dapto Showground in a much-anticipated rematch after the Shire-based outfit came out on top in their previous clash with a 36–16 win.
Currently hovering around the top four, the Canaries will be eager to maintain their momentum after returning to winning form with a strong 38–10 victory over the Corrimal Cougars in Round 6.
Head coach Blake Wallace believes his side has turned a corner after an inconsistent start to the season.
“That win was a good energy boost for the boys,” Wallace said.
“We had a few tough games earlier in the year and some injuries that stretched us a bit, but we’re slowly getting guys back.
A few of them have experience at higher levels, which really helps strengthen our team and our edges.”
Up For The Challenge
Wallace knows the challenge that De La Salle presents but sees the rematch as an opportunity to show how far Dapto has come since their first meeting.
“We’ve learned from last time,” he said.
“It’s about being more aware of their threats and making sure we execute for the full 80 minutes.”
Dapto’s attack has shown variety and promise with two of their players, centre Jason Gillard and captain Thomas Freebairn, among the competition’s top try scorers, something Wallace says reflects their flexibility in attack.
“They play in totally different positions, one in the middle and one out wide, so it shows we’ve got options,” he said.
“We want to keep improving with the footy and make it hard for teams to read what we’re going to throw at them.”
[Watch] Dapto centre Jason Gillard scores the Canaries first try in their Round 2 clash with De La Salle
Read More >> Top Try Scorers
After the week off, Wallace says the squad is refreshed and focused.
“The bye came at a good time. We needed to freshen up a few guys,” he said.
“Now it’s about picking up where we left off and making sure we’re ready to go.”
Looking For Consistency
Currently sitting equal-fourth with Thirroul, two points behind De La Salle, a weekend victory will enhance Dapto’s premiership credentials. But Wallace is focused on consistency, not ladder pressure.
“Every game’s important in this comp. But we just want to put our best foot forward; if we do that, I’m confident we’ll get the result.”
Wallace praised the balance within his team, especially the blend of youth and experience, something Freebairn had also spoken about earlier in the season.
“It’s going really well,” Wallace said.
“The older boys are mentoring the younger ones. We’ve got a solid one-two punch in the middle, and with guys like Aaron Gray and Patrick Herbert returning this weekend, we’ll have extra strike power out wide.”
Another key contributor is goalkicking halfback Troy Pieper, who is currently third in total points scored in the competition.
“He’s been outstanding. His ability to convert four into six is important in tight matches,” Wallace said.
On Home Turf
Playing at home adds extra motivation, especially against a team like De La Salle.
“We love playing at home. No one likes giving up two points in their own backyard,” Wallace added.
“We’ve just got to start strong and not let them dictate the pace.”
While pleased with their progress, Wallace insists his team understands they are not yet the finished product.
“There’s still a lot more footy in us. We’re not where we want to be yet, but we’re working on the things we need to fix, and it’s coming together.”
Giving Back
Now in his fourth year at the helm, Wallace brings both playing and coaching experience, having returned from a stint overseas in 2022.
“The club’s given me a lot, and I just want to give back,” he said.
“I love the boys; I love the club, and it makes it easy to roll up to training each week when you’ve got a group that’s buying in.”
With a home crowd behind them and payback on their minds, the Canaries will look to take flight once more and prove they’re genuine contenders in this year’s Harrigan Cup.
In other Round 7 fixtures, Thirroul are at home to Wests and Corrimal hosts Collegians at Zeims Park.
Round 7 Fixtures and Team Lists
Words | Angelina Raula