They have eye-balled each other from a distance for the past five weeks and now the wait is over for Group Seven’s top two teams.
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Gerringong host Shellharbour in the most anticipated duel of the season on Saturday at Michael Cronin Oval, a clash which many pundits say is an early grand final preview.
Both teams take perfect 5-0 records into the match and their form is so evenly matched it’s hard to pick a winner.
Shellharbour romped to a 46-12 triumph over titleholders Nowra-Bomaderry last week, while Gerringong were down 10-0 to Kiama before fighting back to prevail 28-10.
The Sharks were slick in attack, running in eight tries.
‘‘It’s nothing I coached into them because I was a dumb old frontrower,’’ Shellharbour coach Dave Walsh said.
‘‘It’s just from those boys playing touch footy and Oztag together. They work that stuff out themselves.’’
Walsh knows the Lions will be a much tougher nut to crack than the inconsistent Jets.
‘‘It’s a long year, and we nearly got beat by Berry the previous week, so it’s an attitude thing from week to week,’’ he said.
Nowra-Bomaderry captain-coach Ben Wellington is likely to delay his comeback from a back injury for at least another week.
‘‘I was close to coming back last week, but I’ve still got pins and needles and a bit of cramping in the toes from the disc, so I don’t want to push it,’’ Wellington said.
The Jets won back to back games before last week’s 46-12 thrashing from Shellharbour.
The reigning premiers are aiming for a much improved performance in Sunday’s home game against 2015 grand final opponents Warilla.
‘‘I know the boys are ready for Warilla,’’ Wellington said.
“We expected to just roll up and go through the motions last week and get a result. It was a good reality check for the boys. We learnt a lot from that match.’’
Warilla have lost four of five games, including last week’s 32-24 defeat at the hands of Berry.
Improving Albion Park-Oak Flats can consolidate their top five standing with a win over Kiama at Centenary Field.
The Eagles have three wins from five games, while Kiama also boast a 3-2 record after last week’s 28-10 home loss to long-time rivals Gerringong.
Jamberoo will have to work hard to chalk up a third straight victory in their road battle with Milton-Ulladulla.
Milton lost by two points to Albion Park-Oak Flats last week and need a win keep pace with the top sides.
The Superoos ran riot last week, scoring 11 tries in a 58-12 demolition of Port Kembla.