It's the unlikely match of the round that's pushed a grand final rematch to the undercard this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Few would have expected Dapto to be leading the competition four games into the season but that's where they sit following a 31-10 victory over Thirroul last week.
On Saturday they'll host a Corrimal outfit that blew a two-year losing streak out of the water with a 30-10 victory over Collegians, proving that talk of their rejuvenation under new coach Brendon Reeves has been close to the mark.
Dapto's victory over the defending premiers leaves a lacklustre showing against Collegians two weeks ago the only blemish on their 2015 record.
"It was pretty good turnaround because we were pretty shocking the week before against Collegians," coach Chris Leikvoll said.
"To be honest the two-week [weather-enforced] break didn't do us any good, we needed to play the following week after [beating] Wests.
"I put it on our forwards, I didn't think they were anywhere near where they needed to be and it was pleasing to see them respond.
"You know what you're going to get with Thirroul, it's a full 80 minutes every time. We knew what they're about, they play for the full 80 and we needed to do the same to get the result which we did. I don't think we made an error in the first half which is pretty much unheard of in the modern game."
Returned local junior Blake Wallace was close to the Canaries' best in the victory while Jake Hawkins - who shifted from halfback to hooker in place of the injured Dean Janda - was a close second with his kicking game from dummy-half. The depth in the spine is a welcome contrast to last season.
"It's pleasing to have that depth in those positions which we probably didn't have that last year," Leikvoll said.
"It was a shame to lose Dean Janda because he was probably our best in the first two games. Losing him early against Collies hurt us a bit because Hawko hadn't played there this year but having that full week's preparation he did a good job for us.
"Wally can move up into the halves or play fullback, so we've got a couple of options there which is good because we haven't had that in the past."
Leikvoll is expecting the Cougars to provide a much sterner test than their round-one encounter, won 22-18 by the Canaries.
"They're a much improved side from last year and probably from when we played them in round one," he said.
"If you switch off they can really hurt you, so we're under no illusions it's going to be a tough game. They had a good win against Collies and it just shows that if you're a just a little bit off your game in this competition you're going to get done."
