Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles will be looking to build on their first victory of the season in the ‘local derby’ against the Panthers in Penrith on Saturday.
Fresh from a a dominant 36-6 victory over the Newcastle Knights at Blacktown last Sunday, Coach Greg Boulous will have his Blacktown Workers boys ready for another big test against the Panthers.
The Sea Eagles turned in their finest effort this season, completing at 81% and enjoying 58% possession in a six tries to one demolition of the Knights.
Exceptional young hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong, who shined for Manly in the Pre-Season Challenge, led the tackle count for Blacktown with 34.
Winger Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega certainly did his push for NRL selection no harm, scoring two tries and making four line breaks in his 208 metres.
Second rower Josh Stuckey also crossed for two tries with his first coming off a well timed pass from five-eighth Dean Matterson that saw him stroll over.
Matterson then laid on Stuckey’s second try when he popped a pass out at the back in traffic for the big forward to dive over.
Winger Clayton Faulalo also scored from a kick while prop Toafofoa Sipley crashed over under the posts through sheer brute strength.
New Manly Sea Eagles prop Aaron Woods also made a strong club debut for Blacktown, making 110 metres from 11 runs, 37 post contact metres, and 15 tackles for no missed tackles in his 33 minutes.
Their opponents on Saturday, the Panthers, were victorious 24-16 against the Canberra Raiders at home.
Penrith sit in third place with Blacktown Workers in ninth position. Kick-off on Saturday is 3.05pm at Panthers Stadium. The match will be shown live on Fox League and Kayo.
See the Blacktown Workers team here
