AFTER 17 regular season rounds, it all comes down to this weekend to determine where each team will finish on the ladder.
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The only certainty in the top five is that Warilla-Lake South will finish fifth but the other four spots are anyone’s guess.
Heading in the final round, three teams – Jamberoo, Shellharbour City and Gerringong are sit on 28 points, with Kiama, who have the bye, sitting two points adrift.
Coincidentally, two of the three teams, the Superoos and Lions, will lock horns at Kevin Walsh Oval on Saturday from 2.45pm, which will have a huge impact of where the top four teams finish.
Superoos captain/coach Jono Dallas understands there are plenty of variables to which the top four can finish but knows there is only one thing his team can control – winning the game.
“All we can concentrate on is winning and not worry too much where we will or won’t finish on the table,” Dallas said.
“A win guarantees us at least a top two spot and that’s what we need focus on – anything else is just a bonus.”
These two rivals have played out a number of tight contests in recent years, including an 18-12 win to the Lions in round seven, with Dallas saying that both teams bring out the best in each other.
“Our first game against Gerringong earlier in the year was probably one of the better games we’ve played this year, despite us losing,” Dallas said.
“We know we need to come into the match in the right frame of mind, with a positive attitude and being prepared to not give an inch and earn everything on the day.
“It’s key that we complete our sets, control the field postition the best we can, because if we get an even share of the position and are in the match in the final 10 minutes, I know we can produce with the game on the line.
“In a way, the semi-finals have come one week early and all the boys are looking forward to the challenge.”
Lions coach Michael Cronin, who is used to high stake matches, after guiding the club to back-to-back premierships, is excited that his team is finally getting back to full strength.
“There’s no excuses this week against Jamberoo, as this will be the first time the starting forward pack from last year’s grand final will play together all season,” Cronin said.
“In saying that, a lot of them are still short of match fitness, having come back from injuries in recent weeks but we know if they put their hands up to play, they’ll do a job for us on the field.”
These inclusions, including prop Tim Moore, could help Cronin’s men extended their two-game win streak, which included a strong win in the derby against Kiama.
“We played well against Kiama but I know that we can still take our play to another level, which is what we will need to do on Saturday against Jamberoo,” Cronin said.
“If we just concentrate on our own game, such as completing our sets and committing ourselves on the defensive end, I’m confident in the boys.
“Obviously, if we are to win, the team will be rewarded with a top-two spot, which, considering our injuries, would be a very nice position to finish in and set us up for finals."
Elsewhere in round 18, Berry-Shoalhaven Heads will host Nowra-Bomaderry in the derby, Milton-Ulladulla entertain the Stingrays, Albion Park-Oak Flats battle Warilla-Lake South and Shellharbour City will look to bounce back against Port Kembla at Ron Costello Oval.