Sydney Rugby Union 1st Colts Rd 3: Big bash tipped, stars return, Hunter heartbreak, top statistics

This 1st Colts team is urgent to end a run of “heartbreak” and another is bracing for an old fashioned big bash. Sydney Rugby 1st Colts Rd 3 talking points.

Acction in the Wildfires v Easts 1st Colts. Pictures: Supplied/Hunter Wildfires

Hunter Wildfires coach Ross has described his teams second loss on the trot in 1st Colts as heartbreaking - despite them getting to within six points of a team that beat them 96-0 a year ago.

The improvement of the Wildfires is the talk of the Sydney Rugby Union 1st Colts despite the club heading into round three still chasing a win.

The Wildfires were beaten by six points by Easts at their home ground in round two after nearly beating Warringah in round one

“We are heartbroken to be fair,” said Hunter coach Ross Hopkins after the game.

“We let last week go (against Warringah) and we had our opportunity against Easts.

“We are in the fight. We just have to give ourselves a shot.

“There’s positive steps given they got beaten 98–0 in 1st Colts last year. There has been a bit of a turnaround. It’s a collective effort.’’

The Wildfires are back at home in Newcastle for their match against Eastwood on Good Friday at 3pm.

Wildfires v Easts in 1st Colts. Pictures: Supplied/Hunter Wildfires

All other matches in the round will be played on Saturday with plenty of interest in the Warringah v Sydney Uni battle at Pittwater Rugby Park and the Southern Districts v Manly game.

Manly coach Ed Morgan said the young Marlins are prepared for anything and everything from South’s this weekend after their upset over Easts in round one then loss at home in round two.

“It’s hard to get a read on them,” said Morgan, who believes Souths could be wounded and dangerous this weekend,’’ he said.

“They are like Shire leaguies, they will bash you.

“They are always capable of beating anyone.

“We had two completely games against them last year and you can never underestimate them. “They are very dangerous.’’

Wildfires v Easts in 1st Colts. Pictures: Supplied/Hunter Wildfires

Australia U20 players are available for their clubs this week after a camp at Coffs Harbour and a massive win over the Eddie Jones coached Japan U23 side.

This will significantly bolster the rosters of Sydney Uni and Eastern Suburbs with these two clubs boasting the majority of reps in this age group.

Three of them - Cooper Watters, Eamon Doyle and Joe Mangelsdorf - were identified as standout players in the Australians U23s big win over Japan.

Four teams have had more than 100 points scored against them since the competition started two weeks ago.

Eastwood have had 104, West Harbour 169, Norths 122 and the Two Blues 128

But Gordon go against West Harbour with just seven points scored against them so far this year.

Manly have had the next least scored against them with 26 followed by Randwick with 31 and Warringah and Sydney University, both with 41.

Gordon have also scored a whopping 163 points in just two games with the only other team to crack the hundred Sydney University with 106 points.

Easts will take on North at North Sydney Oval with access to a full contingent of their players after an Australian under 20 training camp finished at Coffs Harbour on the weekend.

Randwick will have the opportunity to improve their for-and-against record in their battle with the Two Blues

The Parramatta side are still chasing their first win of the year.

The Two Blues have scored 12 points but had 128 against them.

SYDNEY RUGBY UNION 1ST COLTS RD 3 FIXTURE

Wildfires v Eastwood Newcastle Sports Ground 18/4/2025 11:50am

Easts v Norths North Sydney Oval 19/4/2025 11:45am

Warringah v Sydney Uni Pittwater Rugby Park 11:50am

Randwick v Two Blues Nagle Park 19/4/2025 12pm

Souths v Manly Manly Oval 19/4/2025 3pm

Gordon v West Harbour St Luke’s North 19/4/2025 3pm

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