Canterbury Cup NSW Previews | Rd 12

Soward says: The Warriors did what they were supposed to do, Blacktown were never going to go over there and upset them, so they were professional without being great. (Chanel) Harris-Tavita and (Adam) Keighran are still learning to play alongside each other. The Jets great win, they’ve really turned the corner with in terms of their effort and their completion rate. The Jets are now ninth and a couple of weeks ago we thought they weren’t going to win a game so it’s been a good month for them. Jets by 6.

Penrith Panthers vs Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles

Panthers Stadium

Saturday 1 June, 3pm

Soward says: (Penrith have) been fortunate that the teams around them have lost, that’s why they sit second. They’ll bounce back this week at Penrith Stadium, it will be nice conditions out there. Blacktown are on a losing streak now where they haven’t been great for a while. I expect the Panthers to go on with the job. Panthers by 24.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs vs Newcastle Knights

ANZ Stadium

Saturday 1 June, 5.20pm

Soward says: The (Bulldogs) get their quality players back and that’s probably been the hardest thing when we preview these teams. We’re not sure what changes the first grade team is going to go through. I don’t think we envisioned Lachlan Lewis being back in the side and he comes back and adds that class. To trail 16-0 last week and win 52-22 was a huge win in terms of their season and with this side you would expect them to make the eight. The Knights were ok last week, they had a good win against the Bears. This game is going to be a good one but the Bulldogs are in great form and scoring plenty of points through Lachlan Lewis. Bulldogs by 12.

St George Illawarra Dragons vs Western Suburbs Magpies

Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

Sunday 2 June, 3pm

Soward says: It’s going to take time for those combinations to really (prosper) and get on the same page. Darren Nicholls coming back in is such a great player. They’ll have their hands full this week. I tipped the (Magpies) on Channel Nine to win, knowing a couple of the quality guys would come back. When they’ve got forwards like Elijah Taylor, (Robbie) Rochow, Russell Packer may be back for them as a late inclusion, they certainly can be up there with the best teams. I’m going to say a draw, this is going to be a real belter, one of the best games of the season. Draw.

Wentworthville Magpies vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Ringrose Park

Sunday 2 June, 3pm

Soward says: No Connor Tracey, no Billy Brittain (for the Rabbitohs) shows how important they were last week to their side and they just lose their attack and lose their way when they go off. Brad Taikairangi back, Bevan French, you’ve probably got another week or two maybe until he makes a move to another club so he’d be looking to impress. I think Magpies continue their hot streak. Magpies by 10

North Sydney Bears vs Mounties

North Sydney Oval

Sunday 2 June, 3pm

Soward says: I think Mounties bounce back. Last week they’d be very disappointed with that. No Aidan Sezer this week, (with) Jack Wighton in the NSW squad so they will be tested but again the Bears will be looking to rest some guys ahead of their next clash. It will be interesting to see what the teams are when they actually run out but I think Mounties will win a tight one only because they’ve been the better side and the Bears were flogged last week. Mounties - just.