Corrimal's chance to move into Illawarra Premier League title range

On the back of three consecutive wins, Corrimal have moved to fourth on the ladder, one point behind the Blueys and Wollongong Unied and three adrift of leaders Wollongong Olympic.

Adding weight to the argument they could be genuine contenders, they have already beaten Olympic and United this year, in what is shaping as one of the closest premiership races in history.

Their momentum has continued recently by securing all nine points against competition strugglers Cringila, Woonona and South Coast United this month.

"It will be a different again conversation if we can win a big game like this," Jonoski said. "We know we're three points behind top spot, so if we can come away with the points here, we've got a different agenda going forward.

"If we don't, no dramas, we're still right there with the top teams, but we know the magnitude of this game and what it could mean, even though there's a long way to go."

Jonoski has been satisfied with the way Rangers have stayed on course recently without their star strike weapon, former New Zealand junior international Van Elia, who scored 11 goals in six games before suffering a groin strain.

Elia is unlikely to return for the Blueys showdown at Tarrawanna Oval on Saturday, Jonoski said, with Japanese talent Tomoki Wada and young Daniel Carreno provided the forward potency.

Rangers also boast Ben Zucco and veteran Alvin Ceccoli this year, playing key roles in their rise to being an IPL force.

However, Tarrawanna have plenty of firepower of their own, having put five past Albion Park last weekend, including a double to Ben Spruce.

"We know they're a good team, anyone who can score five goals in this league commands respect," Jonoski said.

"But there's a reason we've scored 26 goals this season and I'm sure they'll be aware of that, it should be a cracker."

Elsewhere, Port Kembla tackle Olympic in a crucial test of their own finals hopes, with South Coast United desperate to edge clear of their relegation battle with Cringila by securing points against Woonona on Saturday night.

Defending champions Bulli and Coniston can keep pace with the top teams with victory, while Albion Park will be determined to bounce back against Fernhill.

Saturday

BULLI v CONISTON at Balls Paddock, FERNHILL v ALBION PARK at Ray Robinson Field, TARRAWANNA v CORRIMAL at Tarrawanna Oval (2.30pm); SOUTH COAST UNITED v WOONONA at Ian McLennan Park (6.30pm).

Sunday

CRINGILA v WOLLONGONG UNITED at John Crehan Park, PORT KEMBLA v WOLLONGONG OLYMPIC at Wetherall Park (2.30pm).

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