AS dominant as Jamberoo has been on the Group Seven Rugby League field the past two seasons, one team has always had their number.
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That team is the Warilla-Lake South Gorillas, who defeated the Superoos three times in six weeks last season - including the 2020 preliminary final which ended the green and red's season.
Since that loss, the Kevin Walsh Oval-based side is yet to taste defeat, winning all four of their matches in 2021.
"We are ticking along nicely at the moment," said Superoos' Simon Maslanka.
"Although we've had some solid wins, there's still improvement in our game.
"The biggest factor in our start is the culture around the club, with everyone being best mates on and off the field - and loving being around each other."
Originally pegged to start the season in the back-row for Jono Dallas' side, the Polish international has started all four games in the centres this season due to Dean Watling and Ben Barnard's injuries.
"I believe I've been doing my job for the team out in the centres, allowing others to play off the back of it," the 30-year-old said.
"As much as I've liked the centres, hopefully, I can get a crack in the back-row in the coming weeks."
Before that though, the Roos will head to Cec Glenholmes Oval, for Sunday round seven clash, which will kick-off at 3pm.
"Heading to Warilla, we aren't really thinking about exacting revenge for last year because that's in the past," he said.
"We're just focusing on this year and how we can improve from our last game against Milton.
"Warilla are a solid young team and you can't afford to start slow against them, so we will be looking to start fast and stay in the grind.
"A win on Sunday will be a huge confidence boost for the boys, as they are one of the top sides and in my eyes, our biggest test so far this season.
"Everyone wants to beat the top teams and these are the games you want to play in."
While the Roos' campaign has been humming along nicely, the Gorillas have stumbled out of the gates with a 2-2 record thus far.
But back-rower Duke Grant believes his Gorillas are back on the right path, after a last-up victory against Stingrays.
"Admittedly, we haven't started as strong as we would have liked," Grant said.
"But we always knew with the new recruits coming in this season, it would take time for us to gel as a group.
"That win against Stingrays proved we are starting to head in the right direction but we know there's still a lot of work to do to get where we want to as a team."
As much as the Gorillas have struggled through the first six rounds, that hasn't been the case for Grant, thanks to his pre-season campaign with the Illawarra South Coast Dragons.
"Playing with the Dragons was a great experience as it helped me gain my match fitness a bit earlier than normal, while also gave me the chance to test myself at a higher level of footy," the 20-year-old said.
"Playing with some of the top players in Group Seven has strengthened my game both offensively and defensively - which I've been trying to implement in my week-to-week footy with Warilla."
While it may be only round seven, Grant admits a win of Sunday would be massive for his side's season.
"Although we had the wood on Jamberoo last season, that will mean little come Sunday," he said.
"They are the team to beat at the moment and are sitting in first place for good reason.
"Everyone is looking forward to the challenge.
"We know if we come prepared, are able to bring the necessary intensity and execute our game plan, we have what it takes to come out on top, which would be massive for our season moving forward."
Elsewhere on Sunday from 3pm, Kiama, who will celebrate hooker Daniel Martin's 100th first grade game for the club, will host Gerringong while Milton-Ulladulla takes on Stingrays at Bill Andriske Mollymook Oval.
On Saturday, Shellharbour takes on Nowra-Bomaderry at Ron Costello Oval - with Albion Park-Oak Flats having the bye.
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Courtney Ward
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
