NSWRL Premier League : Round 9
Preview

Round 9 in the NSWRL Premier League competition has the long anticipated clash between the top of the table sides, Canberra and Parramatta. Whoever wins this match, will be alone at the top of the ladder.

The competition starts tonight at Aussie Stadium where the Roosters take on the Bulldogs. Both these Sydney sides compete tonight after very narrow victories in Round 8, and no doubt will be looking for a more dominant display. Roosters vs Canterbury - Friday 6th June 2003, Aussie Stadium. Kick off at 5:40pm. Ref: Steve Carrall.

The Cougars play their 2nd game in a row at Western Weekender, and after thrashing Norths last weekend, will be looking for another impressive win when the Sharks come to play. Cronulla did it tough against the Raiders in Round 8, and I think the battle will be just as hard for them this weekend. Cougars vs Cronulla - Saturday 7th June 2003, Western Weekender. Kick off at 3.00pm. Ref: Mathew Cecchin.

Saturday June 7 at Henson Park the Jets are seeking to end a 3 game losing sequence against The Dragons who were upset last weekend by Balmain. Given the quality of the Dragons lineup the Jets who were unlucky to go down in an exciting game against the Roosters will have their hands full. A good crowd is expected with the Dragons NRL side having the bye and their fans have the opportunity to get up close and personal with their club favourites. Craig Field, the former NRL player will be making his debut for the Newtown side, while Nathan Blacklock plays another game for the Dragons Premier League side. A tough game ahead for the Jets at home. Newtown vs Dragons - Saturday 7th June 2003, Henson Park. Kick off at 3.00pm. Ref: Gavin Badger.

The clash of the Titans at Canberra on Saturday evening has to be the match of the round. Raiders Premier League coach, has promoted Terry Campese to the starting lineup for the top of the table clash, which will see the winner stand alone at the top of the Premier League ladder. Definitely a hard game to call, but the Raiders at home would have to stand a good chance. Canberra vs Parramatta - Saturday 7th June 2003, Canberra Stadium. Kick off at 5.40pm. Ref: Jason Robinson.

The Allight South Sydney Rabbitohs Premier League has named a strong line-up to play the Western Suburbs Magpies this Sunday at Aussie Stadium. Jamie Russo, Jared Taylor, and Damon Alley ? Tovio come into the Souths side after being omitted from first grade. The Magpies were unlucky to lose to the Bulldogs last weekend by a solitary point, and having just played their mid week catch up game against Balmain, the team will certainly have to call on all their efforts to take on Souths. Both these teams have equal standing on the ladder. Souths vs Wests - Sunday 8th June 2003, Aussie Stadium. Kick off at 12.30pm. Ref: Tony Archer.

The first game on Sunday afternoon has the Balmain side hosting Manly. The home side, although playing a mid week game against the Magpies, should have no problem taking on the Manly side who have certainly struggled at times in the NSWRL competition. Balmain vs Manly - Sunday 8th June 2003, Leichhardt Oval. Kick off at 1.00pm. Ref: Jason Weinstein.

The final game of Round 9 is Norths hosting the visiting Newcastle side at North Sydney Oval. This is a battle between 2 sides at the bottom of the ladder. Last weekend the Knights finally posted their first 2 points in the competition. On the other hand Norths were decisively thumped by the Cougars, so I'm sure they would to put on a better performance at home. Norths vs Newcastle - Sunday 8th June 2003, North Sydney Oval. Kick off at 2.00pm. Ref: Tony De Las Heras.

Games at a glance:

Round 9 - June 6th - 8th.

Roosters vs Canterbury - Friday 6th June 2003, Aussie Stadium. Kick off at 5:40pm. Ref: Steve Carrall.

Cougars vs Cronulla - Saturday 7th June 2003, Western Weekender. Kick off at 3.00pm. Ref: Mathew Cecchin.

Newtown vs Dragons - Saturday 7th June 2003, Henson Park. Kick off at 3.00pm. Ref: Gavin Badger.

Canberra vs Parramatta - Saturday 7th June 2003, Canberra Stadium. Kick off at 5.40pm. Ref: Jason Robinson.

Souths vs Wests - Sunday 8th June 2003, Aussie Stadium. Kick off at 12.30pm. Ref: Tony Archer.

Balmain vs Manly - Sunday 8th June 2003, Leichhardt Oval. Kick off at 1.00pm. Ref: Jason Weinstein.

Norths vs Newcastle - Sunday 8th June 2003, North Sydney Oval. Kick off at 2.00pm. Ref: Tony De Las Heras.