With the start of the new Macarthur Conference Rugby League season, I thought it would be high time to preview the season, and the opening round matches being played this weekend.
On Saturday evening, the “Battle of Burragorang” will be held at Sid Sharpe Oval, as Oakdale Workers host The Oaks Tigers in the opening match of the First Grade season. Any sort of form can be thrown out the window when the local derby comes around. Both sides lift for the derby, with only six kilometres separating the two towns, as bragging rights in the Western districts of the competition go on the line, along with the Chesham-Sharp Cup. Going on previous form, it’s hard to see Oakdale not taking the opening two points of the season, with the lineup being very similar to that of 2021. With the likes of the Brasington brothers and Jake Steadman running the show, along with a forward pack including veterans Jason Thompson and Michael Bullock laying the platform in the forwards, it’s hard to see them not threatening for the premiership. The Tigers won’t be easybeats though, with the famous Tigers spirit certain to be on display against their arch-rivals. With players like Cam Graham and the Bell brothers in the black-and-gold, there will be plenty of fight from The Oaks. Mike’s Tip – Oakdale.
Sunday afternoon has four matches for consideration, with all being worthy of feature match billing. First up, Crane Oval hosts the local grudge match between Narellan and Camden. These two teams have an intense dislike of each other, and there will be tensions and emotions shown from all players. In terms of the match itself, it’s hard to see anything but a Camden win. The lineups indicate a strong Rams side, and with the emotion of club legend Kevin Thomson on board, the likes of Cerruto, Willis, Speechley and co should be too good for a Jets outfit which will be playing mainly on emotion and crowd support. It’s well worth getting out to on Sunday, but I can’t see the Jets getting a home win to start the year. Mike’s Tip – Camden, and it could be big.
Mittagong Sportsground will see a high quality opening day clash, with the Lions host East Campbelltown. These teams have long memories, with both having met in the previous Group 6 competition. The Lions are…what the Lions are. They are renowned for being a tough, no-nonsense side, who will be competitive for 80 minutes, and every opposition team will be heading down the Motorway knowing what’s in store. They have a solid lineup, which will be a great initiation for the Eagles, as they return to the top flight of local football. Easts will be keen to show they’re not to be taken lightly, and will want to make a statement against a team which is known for their tough style of football. A fascinating matchup, and well worth the drive to the HIghlands on Sunday. Mike’s Tip – East Campbelltown
Our broadcast match on MSR Extra is Campbelltown City vs Collegians at Fullwood Reserve. It’s a difficult game to line up, as the Collies side are the new kids in the competition, with little known about their lineup, or what they will bring to the match. It’s expected they will be tough, with coach Glen DeBono taking a Collies junior team to success in the recent past, and many of these players returning for the Dogs this season. There are few headline signings for Collies, so it will take some time to see and know what the Dogs can produce. City, on the other hand, will be keen to start their 2022 season with a home win over a team they haven’t faced in more than three decades. The Roos were starting to make a run in 2021, before the season was disrupted, and eventually cancelled, and if Mick Stevens’ team can start firing, then it could be a good year for the blue-and-gold army. They’ve named a strong side, which should be too good for Collies, but will be a fascinating watch on Sunday at Fullwood. Mike’s Tip – Campbelltown City.
The broadcast match on Sunday for MSR is the Wollondilly derby, between Picton and Thirlmere at Victoria Park. Normally, this would be a mouth-watering match, with little love seen between the two neighbours, but with the added recruitment news this week for the Roosters, there’s certain to be some extra spice come 3pm Sunday afternoon. The Magpies will be keen to return to their home patch in the top grade with a victory over their rivals, and with their own big-name signing in Tony “T-Rex” Williams, the former NRL player, they’ll be desperate to get the wood over the Roosters. Thirlmere will be equally desperate to start the season on the right note, with a win away from home. The announcement in recent days of the signing of former NRL star Blake Ferguson, in conjunction with the recruitment of Curtis Scott in the off-season, will ensure there is plenty of interest in the match, from both those inside the Macarthur Rugby League community, and further afield. The Roosters’ themselves will know what they’re playing, and what they need to produce to deliver the result that many will expect from them. Thirlmere will have no secret of another premiership as their main goal this year, and a win over Picton will be expected, almost demanded, by their supporters. A mouth-watering start to the season, and the football should be good as well. Mike’s Tip – Picton.
You can listen to our live and exclusive coverage of the Macarthur Rugby League premiership season, with three matches being covered this weekend. On Saturday, it’s Oakdale vs The Oaks from Sid Sharpe Oval. Kickoff is at 5pm, with Mike Shean and Craig Davis calling the action.
On Sunday it’s Picton vs Thirlmere on MSR with Mike Shean leading the call, while at Fullwood Reserve, it’s Campbelltown City vs Collegians. Curtis Woodward and Keith Payne will bring you that game, on MSR Extra. You will be able to find the links for both games on our website and social media channels on game day. Our coverage is thanks to Simply WordPress, Forte Financial Services, F2 Sportswear, The Beer Shed Brewing Co, Stylz Signs, CASE Statewide Solar, Kip McGrath Narellan and RW Laws & Associates.
