NSW Cup Match Previews - Finals Week 2

Western Suburbs Magpies Vs Wentworthville Magpies

Leichhardt Oval, Sunday, September 19

Kick-off: 1.00pm

Referee: Dave Munro

Broadcast: Triple H 100.1FM (Link available via www.nswrl.com.au's Weekend Game-Cast)

Broadcast: 2GB & ABC Live updates from Leichhardt Oval

Broadcast: NSWRL Week Two Finals Highlights to be aired on Fox Sports 2 HD and Fox Sports 2, Wednesday, September 22, 5.00pm

The battle of the birds, take three in 2010, and this is the one that really counts. Despite Wests taking the honours in these sides' previous two meetings in 2010 that will all count for nothing if they are to lose here. After some patchy performances at times in the last few months it would appear that Wests have been played into form courtesy of two consecutive meetings against the Wolves in recent weeks while Wentworthville came all so close to knocking off the Jets at Henson Park last Saturday but were unable to deliver the knockout blow when it was required.

In team news Wentworthville has named the same side to take on Wests that almost got the job done against the Jets while Wests had the services of both Junior Moors and Daniel Fitzhenry last weekend and will have to wait until after Friday night's NRL Final between the Tigers and the Raiders to once again find out if they might be available. Another potential wildcard for Wests is a couple of guys who have been out recently with significant injuries in Andrew Pearn and Jamie Sharkie.

While neither has been named to play, considering what is at stake I would not be completely shocked to see one or even both of these guys on the park Sunday afternoon if they are anywhere near 100% fitness. Despite having lost their last two matches Wentworthville appear ready for what they know will be their last match of the year if they can't produce the result they are desperately seeking.

Close losses to the likes of both the Jets and the Tigers away from home in recent starts shows that they will be more than just nuisance value against Wests this Sunday. What a cracking way to start week two of the NSW Cup finals and one way or another it is certain that the Magpies will be facing the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in a preliminary final, the only question is which one?  

2010 previous meetings:

RD 4: Western Suburbs Magpies 30 def. Wentworthville Magpies 18 at Ringrose Park

RD 11: Western Suburbs Magpies 36 def. Wentworthville Magpies 16 at Campbelltown Sports Stadium

Newtown Jets Vs Windsor Wolves
Leichhardt Oval, Sunday, September 19

Kick-off: 3.00pm

Referee: Gavin West

Broadcast: Hawkesbury Radio 89.9FM (Link available via www.nswrl.com.au's Weekend Game-Cast)

Broadcast: Triple H 100.1FM (Link available via www.nswrl.com.au's Weekend Game-Cast)

Broadcast: 2GB & ABC Live updates from Leichhardt Oval

Broadcast: NSWRL Week Two Finals Highlights to be aired on Fox Sports 2 HD and Fox Sports 2, Wednesday, September 22, 5.00pm

In our other do or die battle this Sunday the Newtown Jets will take on the Windsor Wolves for the right to book a date with Balmain the following week. The Jets got home last weekend at Henson Park despite almost letting a 28-12 lead halfway through the second half slip. The Wolves went down to Wests at the Windsor Sports Complex 40-16 and will be happy to be taking on a side that is not black and white having lost to the Magpies the last two weeks running.

The Wolves have been the Jekyll and Hyde of the NSW Cup in 2010, looking like Premiers one week and losing to sides nearer to last than first the next. But they will have no excuses this weekend as they have named a side that contains names like Elford, Simmons, Blair and Plum, and may also receive some more troops from the Panthers depending on their requirements Saturday night.

The Jets are in a similar predicament with the Roosters as Brian Smith has named a seven man extended bench with the likes of James Aubusson, Lopini Paea and Mose Masoe all some possibility of suiting up for the Blue Bags on Sunday. Regardless of what troops take to Leichhardt for either team, based on their previous meeting in 2010 it appears as though we are set for a treat. The Jets have won both clashes so far but by only margins of four and two respectively.

Probably the biggest question mark against either of these outfits this week will be whether or not Windsor's defence can contain the Jets attack. The Wolves have leaked 136 points in their last three matches at an average of 45 points per game and clearly that type of defence won't get the job done during the finals. If the Wolves are to be any chance they will more than likely have to restrict the Jets to a score of around 24 or 26 points as this has been a winning score in these sides previous meeting this year. A tough battle looms and a fitting way to end week two of the NSW Cup Finals.    

2010 previous meetings:

RD 12: Newtown Jets 28 def. Windsor Wolves 24 at Windsor Sports Complex

RD 24: Newtown Jets 22 def. Windsor Wolves 20 at Henson Park