Pathways Preview: Round 9

Coach - Stephen Isdale

This week the boys are looking forward to facing another top-four team. With the short turnaround we have managed their workload, so they are as fresh as possible and ready for the occasion on Good Friday.  Henare Reti comes back into the team after doing a great job in the Laurie Daley Cup.

SG Ball Cup (U19s) - Wests Magpies v Parramatta Eels

Coach – Joey Saukuru

It’s do or die. That’s what our season has come down to. After back-to-back poor performances in the past two rounds, we find ourselves fighting for a place in the finals. The winner of this match continues, and the loser says goodbye to their 2024 season. The boys can’t wait for this Good Friday clash and are ready to put their best foot forward.

Lisa Fiaola Cup (U17s) - Wests Tigers v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

Coach – Scott Clark

This weekend’s game is one that we need to win to consolidate a place in the top-six and the finals. Our win last weekend was something that we needed, but we weren’t consistent or patient enough, and made too many errors when we should have been focusing on completing our sets.

We have concentrated this week on the little things in the game that we can look to take advantage of. This will hopefully give the team the rewards that they deserve.

Tarsha Gale Cup (U19s) - Wests Tigers v Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

Interim Head Coach – Nelle Haumono

Defensively we were great last week, and so our focus as a team this week has been on fixing our errors and completing every set.

It’s going to be a tough encounter against Manly, but the girls are really looking forward to ending our season on a high.

Harold Matthews Cup (U17s) - Balmain Tigers v Newcastle Knights

Coach – Tony Bazouni

Our final round sees us return to our home ground at Leichhardt. The boys have been very upbeat and positive at training in the lead up to the game, and I know they are desperate to avoid finishing at the bottom of the ladder.

Balmain Junior Rugby League will be at the ground as it launches its new season so hopefully we can get the win and finish off on a positive note.

SG Ball Cup (U19s) - Balmain Tigers v Newcastle Knights

Coach – Chris Yates

It’s a big game for the boys at Leichhardt oval and a privilege to play here. We’ll be looking to reduce our unforced errors and build pressure on the Knights.

Jimmy Khamis, our team analyst, has predicted a seven-point victory. It’s been a tough season but I would like to thank our great staff; assistant coaches, strength & conditioning staff, trainers and managers. Black & Gold never fold!

Jersey Flegg Cup (U21s) – Wests Tigers v Parramatta Eels

Coach - Leon Latulipe

It’s great to see players promoted to the NSW Cup this week in Brandon Tumeth and Chris Faagutu, who both put in solid performances last week. I look forward to seeing Solomone Saukuru play his first game for us as he comes in at left centre this week following off-season shoulder surgery.

As a squad, we will look to again narrow our focus on our effort areas, which proved to be a success for us against Cronulla.  You are always in for a physical game against the Eels and they'll be looking to get their first win of the season. We look forward to the challenge.

Knock On Effect NSW Cup – Wests Magpies v Parramatta Eels

Coach – Aaron Payne

Both teams are searching for their first win of the season so there is sure to be plenty of desperation in this game. We made progress as a group with our standards last week but now we need to be consistent.  Chris Faagutu and Brandon Tumeth will be out to impress in their first outing for the season in NSW Cup, and we wish them well.

Parramatta have plenty of size through the middle and strike out wide, so we’ll need to be at our best on Monday.