Junior Reps Preview | Round 8
Both young Sharks women's teams are shooting to make it three straight wins when they challenge the Knights in Cessnock tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Cronulla's junior men are playing across the ditch in Pukekohe on Sunday in matches that could have major finals implications.
Read on for a preview of this weekend's NSWRL Junior Representative games.
Lisa Fiaola Cup
It took five rounds to get off the mark, but in a reward for their perseverance, the under-17 girls have entrenched themselves in the winner's circle of late. After beating the Rabbitohs, they had a bye then went back-to-back against Penrith.
They may have left their run too late to make the finals, but the Sharks will continue gaining valuable experience with an eye to the future.
Cronulla will test how far they've come against the Knights, who are one spot ahead in seventh and still an outside chance of reaching the playoffs.
Match: Knights v Sharks
Round 8 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Sharks
Venue: Cessnock Sportsground, Cessnock
Tarsha Gale Cup
A post-season berth is assured for the under-19 Sharks women (fifth place), but a clash with Newcastle (sixth) could have a bearing on the finishing order.
While the Knights were edged out by the Indigenous Academy last week, they drubbed the Dragons 54-4 the game prior in flexing their attacking muscles.
Cronulla ran rampant in a 48-4 result against Penrith last week and should be primed to take on Newcastle in what could be an early taste of finals footy.
Match: Knights v Sharks
Round 8 -
home Team
Knights
away Team
Sharks
Venue: Cessnock Sportsground, Cessnock
Harold Matthews Cup
Sitting in fifth position, the under-17 boys are up against a Warriors side level with them on 10 competition points but one spot behind on the ladder due to differential.
The winner of this encounter will be in the box seat to play finals, while the loser faces a nervous last round with a swag of teams still capable of breaking into the top six.
Cronulla should be refreshed after a bye. While their last effort was a loss to the Bulldogs, the Brad Kelly-coached outfit won three straight beforehand.
The Warriors are in red-hot form and searching for five consecutive victories. The New Zealanders haven't been beaten at home in three starts this season.
Match: Warriors v Sharks
Round 8 -
home Team
Warriors
away Team
Sharks
Venue: Navigation Home Stadium, Pukekohe
SG Ball Cup
If they're to sneak into the playoffs, the Sharks (eighth) must win their last two games and hope results fall their way.
Having rebounded from a heavy defeat to Canterbury with a come-from-behind triumph over the Panthers in Round 7, Cronulla will meet a 10th-placed Warriors line-up staring down the barrel of three straight losses.
Dave Howlett's under-19 charges showed mettle and patience as they overhauled a 16-point deficit to down the Panthers 28-22 - a performance that will have topped up their confidence.
Match: Warriors v Sharks
Round 8 -
home Team
Warriors
away Team
Sharks
Venue: Navigation Home Stadium, Pukekohe
