Rugby League Macarthur Conference 2022: Final round preview

East Campbelltown has one hand on the Macarthur Conference minor premiership but a dark horse is looming with an eye on a bigger prize.

The top five finalists have been settled but there is still plenty at stake heading into the final round of the Macarthur Conference competition.

With all four games scheduled to kick-off this Sunday at 3:00pm, East Campbelltown can secure the minor premiership with a win over the Picton Magpies. In the countdown to a much anticipated return to finals action, we check how each side is shaping up.

East Campbelltown Eagles v Picton Magpies at Worrell Park, Ruse 3:00pm

Picton pushed aside a rough mid-season to lock down fifth place following last week’s comfortable win over Camden. Without a chance of progressing further up the table, this game is all about East Campbelltown’s attempt to nail the minor premiership with a repeat of their round nine win at Victoria Park.

Earlier this week, Picton coach Jake Tonitto was still undecided on how the Magpies would approach the round 18 clash.

“We’re still unsure of what team we’ll field. Our main focus is to make sure we are right for the first week of the finals, but at the same time, we don’t want to disrupt continuity,” he said before alluding to a bigger picture.

“The other thing to consider is that our second grade is also in a fight to make the semis, a win over the Eagles would guarantee them a spot.”

The Eagles last tasted defeat back in May, but in ominous signs for the rest of the competition, Eagles coach Richard Barnes says his side is now nearing full strength.

“We’re getting back to full strength now. Our captain Johnny Da Silva isn't far off making a return from a broken leg and Ben Baker (fullback) should be back for the finals,” he said.

Camden Rams v Mittagong Lions at Kirkham Park 3:00pm

A second loss to Picton this season may have put a dent in the Rams’ minor premiership charge, but a victory over the eighth placed Mittagong this Sunday, at least keeps the dream alive.

Chatting to NewsLocal, Camden joint-coach Brad Speechley didn’t seem too phased by the potential lost opportunity.

“If results go our way we can still be minor premiers, but second is still good, we’re going all right and still get two chances,” the halfback said.

Speaking on how the Rams might line up, Speechley was unsure but said, like most of the season, a few key players may be missing.

Campbelltown City Kangaroos v The Oaks Tigers at Fullwood Reserve 3:00pm

Currently in third spot on 17 competition points alongside Oakdale, this week’s clash with The Oaks is a must win for City to guarantee an appearance in the first two weeks of the finals.

Given the Workers have a bye and the Magpies are on 16 points, a loss could mean the Kangaroos slip to fifth on the table.

The loss of experienced prop Raymond Moujalli to a hamstring strain is a big blow for City, but it wasn’t all bad news according to captain-coach Michael Stevens.

“This week we welcome back experienced backrower Chris Williamson, five-eighth Joseph Romeo and winger Joel Kingham,” he said.

Group 6 2019 rugby league grand final winners Thirlmere Roosters defeated Picton 38-36 on September 15, 2019. Picture supplied.

Campbelltown Collegians v Thirlmere Roosters at Bradbury Oval 3:00pm

While this game has no bearing on the finals, it marks the end of Thirlmere’s premiership domination.

Despite a host of big name signings, the Roosters just couldn’t find the consistency required to build on their consecutive Group 6 titles.

For Collegians, with only three wins this season, the full time whistle can’t come fast enough.