Week 1 finals: Camden host City while Oakdale and Picton fight for their season

Finals footy returns to Macarthur and with two days of action, Kirkham Park is the place to be. NewsLocal takes a look at this Sunday’s first grade double-header.

Following a long and weather interrupted season, the top five finalists have been settled but by Sunday evening only four will remain.

In the first match, Camden tackle City Kangaroos in a qualification blockbuster for a chance to face minor premiers East Campbelltown and a spot in the grand final. Next up, Oakdale and Picton round out a magic weekend of league where for the loser it’s the end of the road.

Qualification Final: Camden Rams (2nd) v Campbelltown City Kangaroos (3rd), 1:15pm Sunday at Kirkham Park

These sides last faced off way back in April. That day back in round four, a near full strength Rams edged out a weakened Kangaroos by four points in a contest where the tries were split four apiece.

The return bout in round 13 was washed out, but compared to last April the Kangaroos expect to field a stronger combination with the likely inclusion of prop Ray Moujalli as well as star fullback Shannon Gallant.

Although Camden finished the regular season with four more wins, statistics show little separates the sides. On average Camden have scored 25 points per match, just one more point than City. In defence, the Kangaroos have conceded 19 per match compared to the Rams’ 18.

What the coaches say:

Camden co-coach Brad Speechley made mention of City’s strong comeback when the sides last met and praised their ability to do the little things right.

“The Kangaroos defend well, it’ll be a tight game,” he said.

“We’re still hopeful of Brad Hopkins and Joey Napoletano making a return along with Logan Matapuku and Kisi Taulani. On the downside, five-eighth Jackson Willis may be missing. He hurt his shoulder, so we‘ll have to wait on the physio’s report.”

City hooker and captain coach Michael Stevens says the Kangaroos are confident.

“We saw a replay of Camden’s last outing so we’ve got a few things up our sleeve.

“Gallant is definitely back this week, and while Moujalli is still to pass a fitness test we’re 99 per cent sure he’ll take the field,” Stevens said.

Elimination Final: Oakdale (4th) v Picton (5th), 3:00pm Sunday at Kirkham Park

Having already defeated Picton twice, Oakdale has had the wood on the Magpies this season. With contrasting styles, this one promises to be a battle of Picton’s potent attack versus the Workers’ resolute defence.

Five eighth Daniel Payne orchestrates much of Picton’s dynamic left edge attack, and along with winger Harrison Foster the duo have combined to score 32 tries. Alongside minor premiers East Campbelltown, Picton are the only other side to score over 400 points.

For Oakdale, their best work is done on the other side of the ball. Next to Camden they have only conceded 266 points, the fewest in the regular season. Holding the Magpies to two tries was a feature of their round 3 victory, while in round 12, they snuck home off the boot of Mitchell Brasington after being outscored six tries to five.

What the coaches say:

Despite having the better of the Magpies twice this season, Workers coach Russell Lewis believes his side is the underdog.

“Look at their record, they are the semi final professionals so it will be tough. Last time we met we were up by 12 but then made some silly errors and they drew level before Brasington’s class got us home,” Russell said.

“Ultimately, finals footy comes down to attitude and who wants it most on the day. We’ve got a few players battling injury but we do have Jake Steadman returning at fullback.”

It’s the reverse at Picton where fullback James Tautaiolefua will be missing with a shoulder injury, but coach Jake Tonitto says it’s not all bad news for the Magpies.

“Both our losses to Oakdale were in June during our rough run of injuries, so we look forward to meeting them again with a near full strength side,” said Tonitto.

“Brasington is capable of winning the game for Oakdale, so we’ll need to shut him down. On the playing front, Matt White and Tony Williams join the pack and Michael Lett returns to the backline.

“Also, halfback Tim Dengate came back from injury last week, so he’ll be better for the run.”