Round 3 of the Harrigan Cup is headlined by a clash between two early pacesetters, with unbeaten Thirroul and Collegians putting their 2-0 records on the line.
The Butchers have wasted no time stamping their authority on the competition, opening with an impressive win over the Sutherland-Loftus Pirates before edging out Corrimal in a gripping local derby.
They now face a Collegians outfit equally as sharp, having knocked off defending premiers Wests in Round 1 before backing it up with a dominant performance against the Pirates. With both sides sitting at 2–0, this showdown looms as an early statement game in the title race.
Thirroul coach Jared Costello has been pleased with his side’s start, particularly their ability to grind out results away from home.
“We are very happy with how we have started the season. Winning two games away from home has been pleasing to start,” Costello said.
“Our completion rate and the way we have defended our try line have been two parts of our game that have been positive. We competed at 80% in Round 1 and mid-70% against Corrimal, and we’ve scrambled well to save tries in the opening two rounds.”
Naden Bolsters New-Look Roster
The Butchers’ new-look roster has also made an immediate impact, with recruit Brent Naden catching the eye.
“All of our new players have had good starts and bought into what we’re building in 2026,” he said.
“Nado has been unreal for us. He’s genuine class — whether it’s his yardage, his work with the ball or defensively, he’s been excellent. He’ll only get better as our combinations build.”
Looking ahead to the blockbuster clash, Costello knows the challenge that awaits against a red-hot Collegians outfit.
“Collies will be a big test. They’ve been great in their first two games — very fit and well connected,” he said.
“Blake Phillips and the Dowel boys through the middle are key threats, and Nic Hall at fullback brings a heap of strike, so we’ll need to be right defensively.”
Mother’s Day Double
Mother’s Day will feature a two games on Sunday, beginning with Wests taking on Corrimal at Parrish Park in what shapes as a danger game for the Devils.
Despite their strong start to the season, Wests will be wary of the Cougars, who had their number last year with two victories. Corrimal pushed Dapto to within two points in Round 1 and matched it physically with Thirroul in a fiery contest last week.
In the final match of the round, the Sutherland-Loftus Pirates return home chasing their first win as they host Dapto. While results haven’t gone their way, the Pirates have shown enough to suggest they won’t be far off the mark. Dapto, meanwhile, have been solid across their opening two games, including a narrow loss to the defending premiers.
File Image Credit: Denis Ivaneza