Club Corner is back once again to discuss the upcoming weekend in clubland.
Finals comes to the eastern states this weekend, as the Shute Shield and Dewar Shield see the top of the table clashes for silverware. Meanwhile the business end of the regular season continues in Canberra and Brisbane, with the leader leaders both under threat this weekend.
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SHUTE SHIELD - QUALIFYING FINALS
And then there were eight! Following a thrilling final round last week, the qualifying finals are set to be incredibly unpredictable, given the closeness of the table this season. Questions will be especially asked of Gordon and Warringah, who went down last week to the Hunter Wildfires in West Harbour.
This week, Sydney Uni welcomes old rivals Randwick to campus, Eastern Suburbs take on Eastwood out at Eric Tweedale Stadium, and Warringah host Gordon up at Rat Park.
Match of the Round – Norths v Manly
There's no denying how close this match will be, as the battle of the A8 commences once again. While Norths lead the top of the ladder, they came very close to going down to the Beasties last week, again highlighting how close the 2022 season has been. Manly meanwhile will be desperate to get back to winning ways, having gone down by four points or less in the last three matches. A win here makes their finals run much easier, so expect them to come out firing!
Other Fixtures
Sydney Uni v Randwick
Eastwood v Eastern Suburbs
Warringah v Gordon
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Rising Player
Where else should we look than the one and only Max Douglas, who won the Ken Catchpole Medal for 2022 earlier this week. And he is absolutely deserving of that praise, having had an absolute blinder season he has had at set piece for the Marlins, giving their forward pack that extra edge that they have needed for a long time. Regardless of what happens next for the Marlins, this player is one to watch.
QUEENSLAND PREMIER GRADE - ROUND SIXTEEN
With a fortnight of rugby remaining after this round, things have got extremely interesting up in Brisbane. Wests looks to be the only team guaranteed to finish in the top four, however Bond University and Easts have closed the gap significantly on UQ, Brothers and GPS, effectively making it a last dash for the finish line. All can potentially get in, all could miss out at the hands of each other.
Wests have the bye this weekend, however will still remain at the top of the ladder despite the results. Sunnybank take on Souths, the battle of the students will take place down on the Gold Coast, and GPS will look to get back to winning ways against Norths.
Match of the Round – Easts v Brothers
A critical clash in the context of the finals battle, Easts have been claiming scalp after scalp in the last few weeks, and was only one point away last week against UQ. Brothers will be well-rested off the bye, and will likely anticipate a very intense clash, as a loss here will likely see them drop out of the top four.
Other Fixtures
Sunnybank v Souths
GPS v Norths
Bond University v UQ
Wests - BYE
Rising Player
Red Heavies centre TJ Siakisini put on a stellar performance last weekend in a critical win over Easts, with this versatility in the backline likely proving the difference between the two sides. The Bull Sharks will have a lot of work to do this weekend to contain him!
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FORTESCUE PREMIER GRADE - ROUND SEVENTEEN (DIVISION ONE)
The penultimate round of division one kicks off this weekend in the West, with the big hitters in UWA and West Scarboroughs now both firing on all cylinders following strong performances last week. Current premiers Cottesloe also got back to winning ways, however they had to work for it against a determined Nedlands side.
This weekend UWA and Wests will look to sure up a top two finish, when they take on Associates and Nedlands, respectively.
Match of the Round – Cottesloe v Perth Bayswater
It's all to play for for both sides this weekend. Perth Bayswater have the potential for a top three finish, while the Seagulls will be desperate to get off the bottom of the ladder and assure themselves a better finish. While their chances of a fourth successive title are looking significantly challenged, when the going gets tough this team has turned up.
Other Fixtures
Wests Scarborough v Associates
UWA v Nedlands
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Rising Player
Keep a close eye on Liam Clews this weekend for West Scarborough, with the loose forward proving a real handful for Perth Bayswater last week. The exciting number eight has continued to grow game to game this season, and will be tough for Associates to wrangle in on the weekend!
JOHN I DENT CUP - ROUND SIXTEEN
What a round that was in Canberra! Following torrential rain, round fifteen was always going to be a case of who played to the conditions better, and while the Emus and Lions game was rained out, and Tuggeranong barely snuck home against Gungahlin, the Queanbeyan Whites produced arguably the biggest upset of the year, smashing current ladder leaders the Royals on their home turf 20-50.
The results sees the Canberra Royals lead all but eradicated, and with only one round to go after this all of the top four have the potential to claim the minor premiership.
Match of the Round – Uni-Norths v Gungahlin Eagles
This is it for Gungahlin. With Wests Lions and Penrith now unable to qualify for finals, the Eagles have the slimmest of chances to sneak a top four placing, with Queanbeyan on the bye. A bonus point win will likely be required however, and given the recent form of the Owls, Gungahlin will have their work cut out. With finals all but guaranteed, for the Owls it becomes a case of if they can grab a home semi final, and should the Royals or Tuggeranong fall this weekend, a win here is critical.
Fixtures
Penrith Emus v Canberra Royals
Tuggeranong Vikings v Wests Lions
Queanbeyan Whites - BYE
DEWAR SHIELD - SEMI FINALS
It’s a simple game now in Victoria: win every game you can. After two years of being hampered by COVID-19, expect the Melbourne Rugby faithful to be in a joyous mood this weekend!
Harlequins and Melbourne Unicorns loom is the big head-turner this weekend, with the Unicorns looking to maintain their premiership grip, and looking to shake off demons against a much improved Harlequins side. The current ladder leaders have been an outstanding form and taken all challengers in their stride, and will look to continue that form this weekend.
Meanwhile, Moorabbin Rams will look to exact revenge when they take on Power House in the other major final. The visitors put on a stunning display last week to shock the Rams and book their finals placing, and now they have to do it again away from home. Expect both sides to come out swinging and plenty of fireworks!
COOPERS PREMIER GRADE - ROUND SEVENTEEN
It's the penultimate round of rugby in Adelaide, with Brighton, Burnside, Elizabeth and Old Collegians looking as likely finishers in the top four. However, how the rest of the competition looks is still up for debate, an excellent indication of how close this season has been and how much the Coopers Premier Grade has grown in depth this season.
Fixtures
Elizabeth v Burnside
Onkaparinga v Barossa
Port Adelaide v Brighton
Old Collegians v Woodville
Southern Suburbs v Adelaide University
TASMANIAN PREMIER GRADE - ROUND THIRTEEN
The penultimate out round also looms this weekend in Tasmania, with Bernie Emus taking on Devonport, Taroona out to get back to winning ways against UTAS, and Hobart Lions welcoming Launceston.
Fixtures
UTAS v Taroona
Burnie Emus v Devonport
Hobart Lions v Launceston
Harlequins v Glenorchy
Enjoy your weekend, and be sure to get out to clubland and support your local club.
