As the NSWRL junior reps season draws closer to its end, the race for finals spots only grows more intense. Round seven of the Harold Matthews, SG Ball and Tarsha Gale Cup action saw some tight matches and impressive performances from the likes of the Parramatta Eels, Illawarra Steelers, and Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy. Catch up on all the latest from the junior reps competitions with a full wrap and results from the weekend’s matches.
Important Details about Harold Matthews, SG Ball, Tarsha Gale Cup NSWRL rugby league results –
– The NSWRL junior reps season is nearing the end with finals spots at stake.
– Round seven of Harold Matthews, SG Ball, and Tarsha Gale Cup action took place.
– Parramatta maintained their top spot in the Harold Matthews after beating Manly 30-6.
– Newcastle defeated St George 20-4 in Harold Matthews and 30-6 in SG Ball.
– Illawarra won all three matches against North Sydney with a 50-6 scoreline in Harold Matthews, 24-10 in Tarsha Gale Cup, and 26-4 in SG Ball.
– Sydney Roosters came back from behind to defeat Central Coast 36-16.
– South Sydney won 22-10 over Balmain Tigers in Harold Matthews, but Balmain won 26-20 in SG Ball.
– The ladder-leading Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy won 44-0 over Souths in the Tarsha Gale Cup.
The NSWRL Junior Reps season is officially in the home stretch, with finals spots on the line and the action heating up across all three competitions, Harold Matthews, SG Ball, and Tarsha Gale Cup. In round seven, several teams continued their winning streaks, while others scrambled to keep their finals hopes alive.
The Parramatta Eels maintained a share of the top spot in the Harold Matthews division after defeating the Manly Sea Eagles 30-6 at Brookvale. The Eels dominated the opening minutes of the game, racing to an 18-0 lead through three quick tries and a double from Zaidas Muagututia. Despite a valiant effort from the Sea Eagles, who narrowed the lead to 12 points at halftime, they couldn’t stop Parramatta from claiming their fifth consecutive win.
The Newcastle Knights remained in the hunt for a top-two finish in the Harold Matthews division after overcoming a resilient St George Dragons 20-4 at Kogarah. The Dragons picked up their first win of the season last week, but it was the Knights’ captain Connor Votano who led his side to victory with a double and a personal haul of 12 points. The Knights also shone in the SG Ball division, ending St George’s win streak with a 30-6 victory.
The Illawarra Steelers put on a dominant display against the North Sydney Bears in the Harold Matthews division, claiming a 50-6 victory and staying firmly in the finals race. Hayden Buchanan was unstoppable, scoring a hat-trick, and Tom Kirk added a double for good measure. In the Tarsha Gale Cup, the Steelers were pushed to the limit by the Bears but secured a 24-10 victory thanks to a Mia-Rose Walsh double and late tries from Darcy Eade and Shaye Shipton. The Steelers completed the sweep with a convincing win in the SG Ball division.
In a game of two halves, the Sydney Roosters overcame a 16-6 deficit with 16 minutes to play to defeat the Central Coast 36-16 at Morry Breen Oval. Na’olia’ehansi Tofaeono scored two tries in the win. Meanwhile, Souths and Balmain shared the spoils in their Harold Matthews and SG Ball matchups, with Souths winning 22-10 and Balmain winning 26-20, respectively.
As the season enters its final stretch, every club’s final three games are crucial in determining their fate in the finals. Predictions abound, and every game is sure to be a thrilling and hard-fought contest as the NSWRL Junior Reps season draws to a close.