Week 2 finals: East Campbelltown versus Camden while for City and Picton it’s sudden death

Week two of the Macarthur finals series sees the minor premiers in action for the first time. NewsLocal takes a look at this Sunday’s two first grade finals.

First up, in what many believe will be a preview of the decider, Camden tackle minor premiers East Campbelltown where the winner advances directly to the grand final. Campbelltown City play Picton in the final contest, where for the loser, it’s season over.

Major Final: East Campbelltown Eagles (1) v Camden Rams (2), 1:15pm, Sunday at Waminda Oval

These two sides face off having shared the spoils in two clashes this season. East Campbelltown had the better of the most recent meeting, scoring five tries to three back in June.

Sean Connor East Campbelltown Eagles. Picture supplied.

The Eagles are yet to strap on a boot since coming from behind in the final round to claim the minor premiership with victory over Picton. Now as they head to Waminda Oval, East Campbelltown’s mix of old heads and exciting young stars has them well placed to push for this year’s title.

The battle of the halves promises plenty, with old grand final sparring partners Sean Connor and Camden’s Brad Speechley sure to influence the outcome.

Mason Cerruto’s hat-trick was a standout in the Rams demolition of City, but the speed and guile of Eagles fullback Bryce Wilson should have Camden’s defence on high alert.

Bradley Speechley of the Rams looks to pass. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Newscorp)

But it’s upfront where the result could be decided. Both packs offer size and skill, and if Camden props Bailey Dickinson and Danny Fualalo can replicate last week’s form then an upset could be on the cards.

What the coaches say:

Eagles coach Richard Barnes says his side are eager to get back on the park and is excited by the prospect of returning to Waminda Oval for the first time this season.

“Hopefully with the week off all our niggles are gone, we’ve got a couple in doubt including Ben Baker,” Barnes said while praising the Rams‘ recent form.

“Camden have been the most consistent side all season, and they showed that with last weekend’s strong performance.”

Danny Fualalo of the Rams is tackled by Che Te Rangi of the Kangaroos. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Newscorp)

After blowing City off the park last Sunday, co-coach Speechley believes the Rams have found their sweet spot.

“Last week’s second half is how we want to play and we’ll need that for the full 80 minutes against the minor premiers,” Speechley said..

“We got over them earlier in the season, then they beat us with a vastly different line-up. This week we’ll have a strong side, although forward Brad Hopkins is still touch and go, we‘ll have a better idea by the end of the week.”

Minor Final: Campbelltown City Kangaroos (3) v Picton Magpies (5), 3:00pm, Sunday at Waminda Oval

City have had the better of Picton in both meetings this season, although with the number of tries scored equal on both occasions, accuracy from the tee may yet again prove crucial.

Last Sunday the Kangaroos were on track to upset the second placed Rams before conceding 28 points in an underwhelming second half. This week will be all about ball control and creating more chances for Alex Seve and Shannon Gallant to wield their magic.

Shannon Gallant of the Kangaroos is tackled. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Newscorp)

Centre Rua Hona featured in both City tries last week, and with a fair share of possession is sure to create headaches on Picton’s left edge.

Picton entered the finals having only won two of eight clashes against the other top-five sides. They left it late to overcome a plucky Workers last week, but with the likes of Anthony Provost leading a host of big game stars, they’re expected to cause plenty of cheek.

Last week the Magpies fell behind in a stop-start opening, but with improved handling and a head of steam, City can expect a rough ride.

What the coaches say:

Speaking after last week’s second half capitulation to Camden, City captain-coach Michael Stevens said the side’s pride was damaged more than anything else.

“We’ve gone through the video of our own performance and know what we need to fix. Moses Manu and Josh Honan are definitely back this week to strengthen our pack,” Stevens said before offering an insight of what to expect.

Billy Carroll of the Magpies is tackled. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Newscorp)

“Picton are a big side around the middle, they can get a bit tired and sloppy around the ruck. So that’s one area we’ll look at, but they’ve also got Michael Lett at fullback now, and his passing game provides another threat.”

After their physical victory over Oakdale, Picton coach Jake Tonitto was relieved to name an unchanged line-up.

“We are one to 17 as per last week. Five-eighth Daniel Payne seems good to go after missing most of the first half last week,” he said before touching on his side’s recent form.

“We’d like to fix our unforced errors, but we are certainly becoming more patient and better at weathering the storm, and we’ll need to be mindful of that against City who have already beaten us twice this season.”