Wyong Roos (1) v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (4) – Qualifying Final
Allianz Stadium, Saturday 2 September
12:40pm AEST
Broadcast LIVE on Fox League
The 2017 Intrust Super Premiership NSW Finals Series kicks off with a blockbuster at Allianz Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with minor premiers the Wyong Roos taking on the in-form Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs for the first spot in the preliminary finals. Seven competition points separated the two sides at the conclusion of the regular season, but recent history suggests this could go either way.
Wyong come into September as the best-performing team this year, particularly impressive given they’ve had to play without regular halves Jayden Nikorima and Mitch Cornish for various parts of the season. Their recent form leaves some to be desired – they’ve won just two of their past six games, both of which they trailed at points in the second half – but only the bravest fan would dare write them off in the big games. Following a thrilling draw with the second-placed Warriors in Round 24, the Roos required a big second-half showing to down the Knights last weekend, but got the job done in a boost for Rip Taylor’s men.
The Bulldogs’ final regular-season match was also far from the dominant victory they would have liked ahead of the finals; three tries conceded in the final 14 minutes resulted in a draw with Illawarra. Over their own six-week period, however, Canterbury-Bankstown has lost just one game and has largely displayed the type of form required to instil belief in the side.
The match will be the competition’s first played at Allianz Stadium this year, in the lead-up to the Roosters’ final home game against the Titans. It will also be the club’s Old Boys Day – and in celebration of the event, pre-purchased general admission family tickets will be available for just $40. In addition, kids aged 14 and under are encouraged to take advantage of the free sausage sizzle offer operating near the Allianz Stadium gates for the first 1000 fans.
