The Stars will look to continue their winning ways when they head to Tamworth to take on the NSW Country Eagles. In a match that has the potential to set the Stars up for a serious tilt at the finals, they will be keen to maintain their ferocious defence and territorial offence.
The Eagles sit in 6th spot and the ladder and are coming off the bye but will be looking to improve on their 13-37 loss to the Vikings in round 2. They have the runs on the board too, beating the Stars 26-24 in a thriller at Leichhardt last year.
Stars skipper David Hickey fought gallantly last week, getting through the game with a broken right hand which required surgery during the week. He is replaced at the number 7 by Rohan O’Regan.
Head coach Peter Playford has rewarded Tom Kingston for his strong performances this season with the Captaincy. Stepping up to support Tom as Vice-Captain will be Matt Philip whose match against the Spirit didn’t go unnoticed, being named in the team of the round. The Stars have built their strong foundation to the second season of the Buildcorp NRC on clear decision making and strong leadership and Tom and Matt will look to carry the example set into the match against the Eagles.
In other changes, Tom Carter was cited for a tackle during the second half against the Spirit last week which will see him miss a week. Andrew Leota has been replaced at number 4 by Waratah veteran Jeremy Tilse who will bring a wealth of Super Rugby experience to the forwards.
Balmain representatives Ofa Finau, John Hale and Tipiloma Kaveinga have been called back for the Kentwell Cup Grand Final against Knox. Replacing the Balmain trio are Michael Kovacic, Mitchell Whiteley and Christian Yassmin.
The Stars are the highest scoring team in the Buildcorp NRC this season and the predicted large crowd at Chillingworth Oval will be hoping for more of the same from the men in blue and gold.
Sydney Stars v NSW Country Eagles:
Sydney Stars
1.Alastair Ryan
2.Tom Coolican
3.Tom Robertson
4.Jeremy Tilse
5.Matt Philip
6.Michael Kovacic
7.Rohan O’Regan
8.Mitchell Whiteley
9.Jake Gordon
10.Angus Roberts
11.Harry Jones
12.Andrew Robinson
13.Jim Stewart
14.Christian Yassmin
15.Tom Kingston (VC)
Reserves
16.Declan Moore
17.Alasdair King
18.Matt Sandell
19.Nick Coldrake
20.John Mokofisi
21.Richard Draper
22.Jordan McGregor
23.Sam Barclay
