The Ron Massey Cup is set to step up again in 2017, with a more compact competition ensuring teams are closer than ever.
A total of 11 teams will compete in the upcoming season, with last year’s 12th-placed Windsor Wolves and 13th-placed Kingsgrove Colts both being relegated in 2017. Of the remaining teams, just eight wins separated minor premiers Mounties from 11th-placed Cabramatta – and all sides were in contention for top eight spots heading into the final week of regular competition. With six of the nine 2016 finals games resulting in upsets, the stage is set for another season where anything could happen.
Last year’s preliminary finalists the Wentworthville Magpies will kick things off this season, as they take on 2016 surprise packets the Hills District Bulls at Ringrose Park on Saturday, 4 March. The following weekend will see defending premiers Mounties play the Western Suburbs Magpies – a battle between first and second from the regular 2016 season – while the much-anticipated grand final rematch between Mounties and St Marys will take place just three weeks into competition at Aubrey Keech Reserve. The season will also see Blacktown Workers enter the competition as Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles and they begin their campaign with a home triple-header; the Ron Massey Cup side will play Western Suburbs at HE Laybutt Fields following Sydney Shield and before the Intrust Super Premiership NSW.
Once again, the Queensland Rangers will host the Ron Massey Cup Reps at Pizzey Park on the Gold Coast – the same venue which saw an 11-4 victory to the Rangers last year. The match will be held on Sunday, 25 June in a representative weekend between Rounds 16 and 17.
For the full Ron Massey Cup draw, visit our Live Match Centre.
Please note draws are subject to change.
