NSWRL Junior Reps: Why each team can win in Fiaola, Matthews, Gale, Ball Cup competitions

With 16 teams in the running for Lisa Fiaola, Harold Matthews, Tarsha Gale and SG Ball glory, we rate why each remaining team can hoist the silverware on grand final day.

Zane Hill and the Rabbitohs are into the Harold Matthews Cup prelims. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

The race is down to four teams in the NSWRL Junior Reps competitions.

Preliminary final weekend is here in the Lisa Fiaola, Harold Matthews, Tarsha Gale and SG Ball Cup competitions, and we rate why each remaining team can lift their respective trophy on grand final day.

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LISA FIAOLA CUP

CANTERBURY BULLDOGS

Why they can win: Their attacking prowess is second to none. The Bulldogs average margin of victory in the regular season was 45 points, something they eclipsed in the first week of the finals when they scored 58 against Cronulla.

CENTRAL COAST ROOSTERS

Why they can win: Quite simply they are a hard team to score points against. In eight regular season games they conceded just 22 points - that’s less than a try per game. They kept five clean sheets in those eight games and tries in just two games.

PARRAMATTA EELS

Why they can win: Their ability to respond. They’ve been tested a few times this season and at key moments they’ve been able to hit back in style. Across the park they’ve got players who are in their second finals series, and that experience is crucial.

WESTS TIGERS

Why they can win: X-factor. They can lay claim to having the best halves remaining in Agnews Faaui and Mia Tonga, plus their forwards provide an impact in the middle third of the game like few others can.

Jett Swadling. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

HAROLD MATTHEWS CUP

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

Why they can win: Form. In their past three games they’ve knocked off the Rabbitohs and held the division’s best attack to just one try. That was a dominant qualifying final display and this team is loaded with firepower across the park.

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Why they can win: Simply, they’re on fire. The Knights have won their last six after starting the season 1-2 and they’ve claimed some big scalps in the process. There is no team playing better football, and they can overcome the fact they have played just once in April.

CENTRAL COAST ROOSTERS

Why they can win: Their ability to bounce back. After finishing the regular season with two defeats, they’ve walked the finals tightrope with a pair of big wins. Who’s to say their electric team can’t make it three on the trot against Newcastle?

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Why they can win: Belief. They lost to the Warriors in the very last play of the game when they met earlier in the year and they’re fresh off downing the minor premiers. They been well in every game they’ve played this year.

Zoe Lee Picture Warren Gannon Photography

TARSHA GALE CUP

ILLAWARRA STEELERS

Why they can win: They’ve been there and done it before. A host of players were part of their successful team last year and with an active win-streak of seven games, this Steelers side is peaking at the right time after a dominant qualifying final win.

CANTERBURY BULLDOGS

Why they can win: Their firepower. They boast the divison’s best attack and while we didn’t see it in week one, if their games open up in the coming weeks, they are almost impossible to match in a shootout.

PARRAMATTA EELS

Why they can win: Their record against the top two. They’ve defeated the Bulldogs and got within a try of the Steelers. They lost to Cronulla and Penrith in the regular season, but have knocked both of those teams off in the finals to date. They believe they can go all the way.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Why they can win: Their clutch gene. Over the last two weeks they’ve won their elimination finals at the death with some big plays. The last time they played the Steelers they lost by two. They have the roster to add another title.

Samuel Hyne Picture Warren Gannon Photography

SG BALL CUP

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Why they can win: They are the division’s in-form team. While others have faltered at various stages over the past month, the Roosters have hit their straps and have won their last five. They have a host of players destined for the NRL and are unstoppable right now.

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Why they can win: Nobody can match it with their attack. Finished with the league’s best attack by a long way, scoring over 38 points per game. That is an insane number considering the calibre of team in this competition.

PARRAMATTA EELS

Why they can win: They were the minor premiers for the reason. Their regular season saw them go through undefeated. Their only slip-up came against the Roosters, and if they return to their best over the next period they are close to competition favourites.

CANBERRA RAIDERS

Why they can win: Canberra can mix it with the best. They’ve got the scalp of the Roosters and were only narrowly defeated by Souths and Parra. They’ve found the perfect mix with their spine and have no fear taking on anybody.

Originally published as NSWRL Junior Reps: Why each team can win in Fiaola, Matthews, Gale, Ball Cup competitions