The last of the Round 1 games in the Cash Back App Illawarra Challenge Cup takes place at 3.00pm on Saturday at Gibson Park. Thirroul Butchers host Collegians in another game that promises plenty. Trent Waterhouse and Luke Swain will step out for the Butchers, whist ex-Shark Brett Kearney will play 5/8th for Collegians.
The local crowd will lap this one up, and would love nothing better that a first up win as Thirroul defend their 2014 premiership crown. Collies are without Blake Williamson who is one of the best forwards in the comp, so leaves big shoes to fill. Brett Kearney was always a very talented player in his time at the Sharks, and has the potential to really spark the Collies backline, but it might be a hard ask without a few of their best players.
Spectators at Gibson Park are reminded to make sure they enter the draw for $1000 cash thanks to the Cash Back App. To be eligible text the codeword “cash” to 0488 TEXTME or 0488 839 863 and click on the link in the reply to register for free.
The winner will be announced at full-time of the Thirroul V Collies game about 4.45pm and the winner must be on hand to claim the prize within 5 minutes of the draw.
Game 3 sees Dapto shape up to Wests which promises to be a great game. Dapto have trialled well against some quality opposition, and have some new faces that are by all reports adding plenty to the Canaries. They have two of the best front rowers in the competition in Matt Handcock and Josh Vaartjes, and some good rotation off the bench. Four quarter football may provide the Canaries with a chance to break down any momentum Wests can build. Bronx Goodwin and Daniel Holdsworth have been named in the Wests backline and it will be interesting to see how they fit in. any team with Matt Clarke and Nathan Dureau in the line-up deserves respect. This may be a lot closer that the same clash in 2014.
Please note this game has moved to the earlier time of 1.15pm from the originally scheduled time of 1.30pm.
