Tooheys Illawarra Rugby League
Round 12 Preview

Helensburgh v Dapto.? Saturday July 3 - Rex Jackson Oval

Helensburgh have a rare opportunity to hammer a nail in Dapto's coffin with a win over the Canaries on Saturday.? Pending on other results, this could see Dapto a long way out of the running for? a top four position.? A win by Dapto coupled with Wests losing could push the Canaries onto the fringes of the finals so Dapto have much to play for.? Helensburgh have been scoring plenty of points but are also conceding alot too.? Dapto are out of sorts, with their 34-32 loss to Corrimal typical of their season so far.? The sheer need to win should get Dapto home.

Collies v Wollongong 3pm Saturday July 3 - WIN #2 Ground

The competition leaders face the tail of the field on Saturday.? Collies are playing superb, in stark contrast to their opponents, who are struggling to compete each week.? It is hard to see anything other than a comfortable win by the Dogs, who will probably score over 50 points.? The Dogs' biggest worry will be complacency but they will not want to take the Bulls lightly, especially if they can get close to their strongest 17 on the paddock.

Thirroul vs Corrimal 3pm Saturday July 3 - Gibson Park

The most enticing game of the day will be covered with a match report by the Bartercard Web Of Steel, with a bruising encounter shaping up.? Thirroul had a big win over the Bulls last week, whilst Corrimal's exciting 34-32 win over Dapto was offset somewhat by their 50-16 drubbing by Port last (Wednesday) night.? Thirroul will be likely to have too much gas in the tank in the final stages of the match to get home over a weary Corrimal.? The Cougars must win this game if they wish to move into a position where a late charge at a final position can be made. ? The clash between Ben Couchman and Donny Tweddle will be huge and the Cougars' chances will improve if Pete Tweddle can recover from his injury.

Port Kembla? vs Wests. 3pm Sunday July 4 - Noel Mulligan Oval

The match of the round will be before another big Port crowd when Wests try to defeat their first round win over the Blacks on Sunday.? Port are in superlative form, and are playing great football.? They have many players to return as the finals approach and are in a perfect position to make a serious bid for the title.? Wests are having a mid season slump after a long winning streak earlier in the season and need to win this match to not only get their confidence back, but also to keep the hordes at bay who will be breathing down their necks on the table.? Port will look to their form players Clint Hill, Johno Johnson and Mark Simon to lay the foundation for victory.? Wests will welcome the return of Luke Watson, whose first match back last week will give him much needed match fitness.? He had a very good game and will need to reproduce this to help the Devils upset Port.