The Harrigan Premiership gets a reset this weekend with Round 6 getting underway following several rain-affected weeks and a general bye for last week’s rep round.
Dapto hosts De La Salle in the ‘Match of the Round’ at Dapto Showground. The Canaries only have one competition point to show from a tough draw to start the season after a last-gasp loss to Collegians first up, a shock loss to Corrimal in Round 2, and a draw with defending premiers Thirroul in their last start.
On the other hand, De La started the season like a well-oiled machine, taking care of Corrimal 36-4 and Wests 40-16 in their only two games. The biggest challenge for the Shire boys will be finding that cohesion again a month after their last match.
Wests head into their clash with Collegians on the back of a confidence-boosting 30-6 win over Corrimal after their loss to De La back in Round 2. They will hope for a return to the form that saw them beat Thirroul 16-12 in Round 1.
Collegians are yet to hit their straps, rallying late for the win over Dapto and looked to have the Butchers measure in their Round 2 clash, leading 12-10 at the break before the defending premiers came over the top of them with two unanswered tries.
Thirroul hosts Corrimal in the ‘Battle of the Beaches’ on Sunday afternoon at Gibson Park. The Butchers have had a slow start to their premiership defence with a first-up loss to Wests at home before their come-from-behind win over Collies.
They will be looking to get their back-to-back title hopes back on track after sharing the points with Dapto in their last start. Despite losses to De La Salle and Wests, the Butchers will be wary of a Cougars outfit that has gotten off to its best start in recent seasons, recording a win over Dapto in Round 2.
The Lower Grades
In Harrigan Plate action on Saturday afternoon, Dapto is searching for its first win of the season after three losses and a draw. Their opponents, Berkeley, defeated Collegians in Round 1 and will play just their second game of the season after a bye in Round 2 followed by several washouts.
Wests face Collies in the other Saturday afternoon fixture. Elsewhere, the Butchers and Cougars clash on Sunday at Gibson Park. The undefeated Avondale Wombats and Helensburgh have a bye.
In Harrigan Shield action, the undefeated Figtree hosts the Cougars, who are chasing their first win. Windang is at home to Berkeley, and Wests takes on the Northern Suburbs Bulldogs at Mt Kembla Park.
Avondale Greyhounds and Avondale Wombats have the bye.
Round 6 Fixtures>> Harrigan Plate
Round 6 Fixtures>> Harrigan Shield
Pictured: Collegians Sam McCann