PORT Macquarie Sharks remain undefeated after a great comeback to defeat Sawtell Panthers 28-22 in their Group 2 match last weekend.
The Sharks young backline of Kieran Vale, Adam Greenaway and Harley Gore capitalised on Panthers dropped balls and undisciplined play to run down a 22-14 lead with only 10 minutes remaining.
Another Houdini escape when Bellingen Magpies came from 18-0 down to defeat Orara Valley Axemen 26-18, putting the Magpies in second spot.
Coffs Harbour Comets recorded their first win in great style over Nambucca Heads to relieve the pressure they had been under.
With three rounds remaining in the first half of the competition, points will be vital for a top five finish.
Panthers host Macksville this weekend in what is always a highly entertaining game, and who would have thought they would only be third and fourth on the table at this stage of the season.
A defeat here would be disastrous.
Macksville’s strength is its great go-forward in its pack, led by Troy Grace and Luke Cartwright.
The Panthers will find them hard to contain, but if they can their backs will win the game.
The tryscoring ability of Panthers Mark Pledger and Nathan Davis spells danger for Macksville.
Comets travel to Woolgoolga for what is always an action-packed encounter.
Both these sides have only one victory and a win here will boost the club.
The return of top forward Matt Grayson at hooker is a big lift to Woolgoolga, but they are missing Rob Toshack at five-eighth, although they are hoping Wade Gerhard is back.
Former Comets Adam Clark, Scott Street and Dion Marr will be looking for big games.
Troy Robinson at half, Ricky McGrady in the centre and former Woolgoolga star Ben McCarthy playing his first game against his old club will be out to impress.
Nambucca, well down on confidence, need a complete reversal of form to defeat Port Sharks at home.
After a great start to the season, the home side has lost some of its discipline and team work.
Bellingen should retain their position and defeat Macleay Valley in Kempsey.
NRL update
The Blues Origin side is nothing to get excited about, with selectors staying loyal to last year’s players.
Again five-eighth and half look the weakness in the very unlikely combination of Jamie Lyon and Brett Kimmorley.
Timana Tahu’s stunning return from union has defensive positioning issues, which will be tested by opposite Greg Inglis.
Kurt Gidley will again force a reshuffle in the backs, a shock tactic that didn’t work last year.
The forwards will be our strength and as a Blues tragic I will be cheering for a victory to end the Maroon domination.
But selectors haven’t learned lessons from last year, choosing players out of their regular positions.
To me it looks an unsettled combination.
I think the Blues now have a very predictable team.
With no Origin players available in the NRL this weekend, tipping will again be a nightmare. My tips below in capital letters.
NRL fixtures (split round):
Friday: Knights v TIGERS.
Saturday: EELS v Sharks.
Sunday: Warriors v RABBITOHS, DRAGONS v Raiders.
Monday: PANTHERS v Bulldogs.
Bye: Broncos, Cowboys, Roosters, Sea Eagles, Storm and Titans.
Men of League
Rugby League supporters should be proud after the great support they showed for the Men of League at Bellingen, Coffs Harbour and Macksville last weekend.
Supporters dug deep for this great charity, set up to looking after their own.
The gold coin donations for the tie pins, along with signing up of 60 new members with the prospect of another 50 to come, makes our committee proud for making the effort.
I would like to thank the clubs for the effort in making us feel welcome and support for the day.
The committee heads to Sawtell’s home game on Sunday hoping to keep the momentum going.
Other news
The NSW under-18s Country Championships was won by Newcastle Rebels, beating Central Coast’s Hunter 36-6 in a disappointing grand final.
Former Comets forward Michael Spence joined the Group 2’s long list making their NRL first grade debut with the Brisbane Broncos last weekend.
Match of the round
Sawtell v Macksville
Rex Hardaker Oval, Toormina
Sunday, 2.45pm
Sawtell
Mark Pledger
Dean McLaughlin
Josh Bryant
Nathan Davies
Warren Jarrett
Ryan Prevett
Lance Wright
Jeremy Wood
Luke Hemsworth
Damian Irvine
Eddie Harrison
Josh Lewis
Dave Buttriss
Logan Wright
Gareth Evans
Coach: Rohan Louden
Macksville
Nigel Hookey
Adam Dixon
Jesse McEwan
Peter Bula
Lester Holten
Edgar Cowell
Nev Donovan
Tyler Searle
Grant Collison
Troy Grace
Luke Cartwright
Matt Byrnes
Grant Coleman
Henry Dunn
Remi Buens
Coach: Grant Coleman
Other round 7 games:
Nambucca Heads v Port Macquarie, Woolgoolga v Coffs Harbour, Macleay Valley v Bellingen. Orara Valley has the bye.
Barrett’s best: Sawtell, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen.
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