ONLY three points separate the top six teams in the Group 2 competition, with Macksville slipping back to equal third with Bellingen.
And that sets up a huge clash this weekend at Macksville.
Hopefully the rain has gone and clubs can get back to training on their fields with the ball, as the pressure is on for semi spots.
Early favourites Port Macquarie Sharks are clinging on as Woolgoolga and Bellingen gain momentum.
Coffs Harbour Comets, with Troy Robinson having his first game, completely out-enthused a lacklustre Macksville last weekend.
The Comets finish with six home games, giving the club a slight chance for the semis.
How do you work out Nambucca? The club nearly won all grades the previous week against the Axemen, then last weekend were flogged 86-0, forfeited reserves and the previously undefeated juniors lost 32-18 to Sawtell Panthers.
The Comets are a real chance to defeat the Axemen this weekend in the local derby.
If they can they just might win the Ken Orr Memorial Shield for the first time.
The Axemen won the first round, so the Comets must win to have any chance.
Former Axemen players Troy Robinson, Matt Donovan and Anthony Donovan (one time club stars) return to the Coramba field against their old club.
They will lead the way and certainly add interest to what should be a great game. Unfortunately, Brett Davis is out injured.
The Axemen, co-leaders, have done well after losing three-quarters of their premiership-winning team and they would love to beat the Comets.
Macksville will be looking for a return to form against Bellingen.
Macksville’s lack of size will be helped with the return of Chris Martine this weekend. Martine lives in Scone and is only available for home games until the semis.
The Sea Eagles also have Tristan and Tyler Hamilton-Giggins available.
Bellingen’s hard-working forwards will test the home side and the addition of former Australian schoolboys star AJ Gilbert and NRL and State of Origin player Stewart Kelly has given the club a great deal of confidence, and with a good start will consolidate a top three spot.
Woolgoolga will continue to regain form at home against Nambucca.
The return of Lee Harvey and Ryan Hartin has lifted the forwards.
Sawtell travel to Kempsey to take on the unpredictable Macleay in a danger match, while Port Sharks will get a badly needed win against the hapless Dunghutti.
Country rep game
Don’t forget next week at Forster there are three great games, with NSW Country and Queensland Residents in first grade, under-18s and under-16s on Saturday, July 11 starting at 11.30am.
Group 2 players Alex Hull and Kristian Kelly from Port Macquarie join with fellow Oxley Pioneers Andy Mack, Kurt Reesh and Matt Nean from Tamworth in the week-long camp.
I’ll be there as an assistant coach.
NRL update
With so many good things happening in our game, there is plenty to talk about.
But it seems the media only highlight the players’ bad social life, and it is turning parents away from the game, taking their kids to other sports. Sponsors are also withdrawing their money.
Just on Origin, why do the selectors pick players who have long-term injuries, like Peter Wallace’s ribs, Rob Farrah’s rib cartilage, Paul Gallen’s shoulder and Trent Barrett’s back.
It put pressure on the fit ones who didn’t handle the first 20 minutes of last week’s game.
Bring back the passion to the game. Queensland are leading the way and leaving us behind.
Great to see 24-year-old Scott Porter finally make it with the Sharks.
It shows that if you persevere, your time will come.
Sharks have signed former Kempsey junior Albert Kelly, getting under the Storm who thought he would join cousin Greg Inglis.
A normal round this week after a round of upsets. Monday night game between Manly and Bulldogs is the pick. (My tips in capital letters)
Friday: BRONCOS v Warriors, DRAGONS v Roosters.
Saturday: RABBITOHS v Tigers, STORM v Knights, COWBOYS v Sharks.
Sunday: Raiders v TITANS, PANTHERS v Eels.
Monday: SEA EAGLES v Bulldogs.
Group 2 Match of the round
Coramba Sportsground
Sunday, July 5, 2.45pm
Orara Valley
Jethro Campbell
Nathan Hardy
Chris Shears
Ardyn Foy
Nani Rahmat
Shaun Anderson
Clark Webb
Dan Van der Donk
Grant Douglas
Paul Tomlinson
Mike Castle
Scott Lacey
Daniel Tempest
Nowen Williams
Matt Cheeseman
Coach: Darryl Fisher
Coffs Harbour
Warwick Jones
Pat Brennon
Matt Donovan
Anthony Donovan
Greg Davis
Troy Robinson
Scott Street
Allen Jones
Ricky Ephia
Andrew Miller
James Peacock
Dean Tuhoro
Geoff Batten
Joel Thompson
Brendan Pelligrino
Coach: Warren Gilkinson
Other round 13 games: Macksville v Bellingen, Woolgoolga v Nambucca Heads, Macleay Valley v Sawtell, Port Macquarie v Dunghutti.
Barrett’s best: Orara Valley, Bellingen, Woolgoolga, Sawtell, Port Macquarie.
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