VB NSW Cup Previews - Round 18

Auckland Vulcans vs Newtown Jets
Mt Smart Stadium #2, Saturday, July 7
Kick-off: 1.00pm (local time)
Referee: Daniel Caddy

Summary: Two sides who are desperate for the competition points square off here as the Vulcans welcome the Jets to New Zealand on Saturday. The only win either of these two sides has to show from their last three rounds of football was an unconvincing 18 point win by the Vulcans over Wests back in round 16. The Jets did appear to be on track for a top four spot come the end of the season just a month ago, yet they now sit in sixth place and must regain some form just to ensure they are playing finals footy. In 2012, the Vulcans have looked nothing like the side that came within a whisker of claiming the 2011 title and have a real fight on their hands just to force their way into the eight over the concluding nine rounds. The Vulcans will get one more bye and the two guaranteed points that comes with it between now and the end of the season, but so to do most of the teams that sit around them on the ladder. Pita Godinet has not been named and appears certain to travel to the Gold Coast with the Warriors side while the Jets will also field an under strength line up with some unknowns like Rhyse Martin and Usaia O