The 2017 Group Six rugby league season is about to get under way and everything points to the start of a new era. A more even competition is set to replace the two horse race period when powerhouses Camden and Picton dominated, predicts MIKE SHEAN of Macarthur Sports Radio.
There was so much player movement in the off season just about all eight clubs believe they have a genuine chance of making the finals and a shot at winning the premiership trophy, the 70 year old Norman L Day Cup.
I would say it’s one of the most even competitions in recent years, with most teams having a genuine chance of qualifying this year.
There isn’t a clear favourite in my opinion, with Camden probably entering as nominal favourites, but the likes of Thirlmere, Narellan, Picton, Campbelltown City and The Oaks all having a real chance of making the finals.
Oakdale has also reportedly recruited well, and if so, they will be tough, with Mittagong always being difficult.
Round 1 sees the local derbies in Rivalry Round, with three matches to be played this Saturday, April 1.
♦ The Oaks Tigers will celebrate their Old Boys Day when they host Oakdale Workers at Dudley Chesham Oval.
Reports suggest Oakdale have recruited well in the off-season, with several forwards being added to their roster.
The Tigers on the other hand have retained many of the players from 2016, where they finished fourth after a finals series appearance.
Kickoff is at 6pm.
♦ Mittagong Lions will tackle the rejuvenated Campbelltown City Kangaroos when they play at Mittagong Sportsground for the inaugural Corkery-Andrews Cup, as well as two premiership points.
The trophy honours club legends Ray Corkery (Kangaroos) and Grahame Andrews.
Both will be present to award the Cup to the winning side on Saturday evening.
Campbelltown City have recruited well, with new coach, NRL and Wests Tigers legend Liam Fulton keen to see how his team will perform in their first competition match.
Kickoff is at 6pm.
♦ Picton Magpies hosts Thirlmere Roosters in the Wollondilly derby on Saturday night at Victoria Park.
The Magpies underwent major changes in the offseason, with premiership winning coaches Gary Dowse and Bryce Poisel not returning after their surprise Grand Final loss to Camden.
But Picton have recruited former Wests forward Michael Bullock as captain/coach.
Thirlmere, who have captain/coach Jake Mullaney in charge for the new season, have lost several key players from the 2016 squad.
♦ The lone Sunday match sees premiers Camden welcome neighbours Narellan Jets to Harvey Shephard Field on Sunday afternoon.
The Rams have seen long term assistant Scott Davey step into the head coach’s role, after Scott Borg retired following the premiership win last September.
Player movement hasn’t been too significant for Camden, with former Wests fullback Shannon McDonnell joining the Rams.
Narellan have been active in recruitment, with former Jet and NRL player Shannon Gallant returning to Crane Oval in 2017.
• Macarthur Sports Radio (MSR) will be broadcasting two matches in the opening round of the season. The first will be the Wollondilly derby on Saturday night between Picton and Thirlmere from Victoria Park, with coverage from 7pm, while on Sunday Mike Shean will be on air at Harvey Shephard Field (Kirkham Park) for Camden v Narellan from 2pm.
• MSR will also call the local derby between Camden and Campbelltown in the Illawarra District Rugby Union match on Saturday afternoon from Wire Lane. Ian O’Hare and Gregor McKenzie will join Mike Shean for the call, with coverage from 3pm.
To access MSR, click here.
