Don't forget folks - LIVE on Fox Sports. Here is the preview from http://www.nswrl.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display&id=78489&title=vb-nsw-cup-previews---round-seventeen
Illawarra Cutters Vs Manly Sea Eagles
WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah, Saturday, July 6
Kick-off: 1.10pm
Referee: Daniel Olford
Broadcast: LIVE on Fox Sports 1
Summary: Two sides do battle here that can’t afford to head home with anything less than the two competition points. The Cutters were unable to make up any ground on the sides in front of them last round when their match with the Bears was postponed until Monday week due to the big wet while Manly were valiant in defeat against Windsor, but unfortunately, valiancy does not bring with it any competition points. Some quick calculations suggest that 28 competition points is probably the number in terms of qualifying for the finals, meaning that Manly (12) and Illawarra (14) both have some work to do. Both sides do have a bye to come, but so to do most of the sides that they look to be competing with for a top eight spot. Realistically Manly would need to win seven of their last eight clashes while Illawarra will probably need to win six of their last nine. Either way, a loss for either side here, probably just about ends their season for all intents and purposes. Peta Hiku returns for Manly after spending considerable time in the top grade of late, and this sees young Clinton Gutherson shift into the centres while for the Cutters there has been a host of positional changes, particularly in their backline.
Talking Point: Just wild about Harry – Harry Siejka stepped straight into the fold for the Cutters against Wyong a fortnight ago after his mid-season shift from the Vulcans, and while the club probably wouldn’t admit it publicly, their season largely sits on his young shoulders right now. With Josh Drinkwater’s form not up to scratch of late and few other halves options presenting themselves to the club, they were forced to move and move quickly to gain the services of the former NSW Under 20s Representative. The Cutters look to have a fairly decent run coming up with a number of home games to come as well as some very winnable away games, and if Siejka can gel with his new team mates quickly, an unlikely finals spot is still not out of the question.
Prediction: Leaning towards the home side but Manly are capable of the upset. Cutters by 7.
