It’s been a long time coming but the positive signs continue to evolve for the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles in the NSW Cup this season.
And for the first time since the shortened competition in 2021 due to COVID, Blacktown Workers will be out to make it three straight wins when they take on the second placed Warriors at HE Sporting Complex, Blacktown, on Sunday, April 16.
New Coach Greg Boulous has Blacktown Workers playing an exciting brand of footy backed up by some determined defence as seen in last week’s gutsy 26-24 win over Penrith Panthers at Penrith. It is a far cry from the team that finished with the wooden spoon last year with Blacktown currently ninth on the ladder.
Fresh from a 36-6 win over the Knights the previous week, the Sea Eagles showed tremendous fighting spirit to make it two straight under Boulous after leading 12-6 at half-time to take out the 'local derby' against Penrith.
Blacktown ran in six tries to four with Brad Abbey, Clayton Faulalo, Joshua Stuckey, Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega, Zac Fulton, and Toff Sipley crossing for tries.
Hard running second rower Stuckey continued his impressive form, crossing for his third try in his past two games and leading the Blacktown tackle count with 27.
Five-eighth Dean Matterson had another fine game, making 165 run metres.
“Josh Stuckey, Dean Matterson and half-back Troy Dargan have been our most consistent players all season,’’ Boulous said.
“The team were very happy with the win over Penrith but they understand there is still plenty more improvement in us.
“The Warriors are a tough team and we are looking forward to continue building on our connection and execution.”
Blacktown head into the Warriors game without Tuaimalo Vaega and props Aaron Woods and Toff Sipley after they were named in the NRL team to play the Melbourne Storm at 4 Pines Park this Friday night.
Tuaimalo Vaega has been in solid form for Blacktown this season, scoring five tries in five games for 25 tackle breaks for an average of 126 metres per game with an 89 per cent tackle efficiency rate.
Woods has been very strong up front in his two games for Blacktown, making 110 metres from 11 runs and 37 post contact metres, and 15 tackles in just over 30 minutes in his first game.
He backed it up last week against Penrith with 114 metres from 13 runs and 41 post contact metres and 19 tackles.
Sipley has certainly led from the front, making 226 post contact metres, 16 tackle breaks, and averaging 11 hit ups in his four games this season. He has also crossed for two tries.
Kick-off at Blacktown on Sunday is 3pm. See the Blacktown team here
