By PETER ROWE
The top four spots on the 2025 NRLWA Fuel to Go and Play Premiership look to be settled, but with only six points separating second and fourth, with four games, left there is still plenty to play for as the Fremantle Roosters host the South Perth Lions at Treeby Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Both teams are determined to win to keep momentum ahead of the finals, but both are nursing an injury list that could define the outcome of this game.
Fremantle will be without winger James Antonio (ribs) and possibly Delane Edwards (hamstring) for the game, but welcome back Nick Riggs and Austin Cameron, with Blake Hignett also in the lineup as hooker.
Lewis Goodsell steps up from reserves for a chance in the halves alongside Luke-David Wells-Talamaivao, who has returned from a hernia injury.
“Lewis has been playing really well in the ressies and deserves his chance,” player-coach Duane Butler said.
“He’s a big learner and has been like a sponge at training, soaking up as much information and advice as he can.
“Austin is a big returnee for us in the forwards and Riggsy will have a late fitness test.”
Austin Cameron returns for the Roosters / Photo – Liam Sallur
Butler has been pressing the need for a big defensive effort this weekend, telling his players they need to be energised in getting the ball back on defence.
“We are looking good going forward, but defence is key to winning a championship,” he said.
And defence will have to be on their guard against South Perth, so well led by veteran Soni Langi.
“Soni has the ability to spot and pick holes in any weakness,” Butler added.
“South Perth will want to cement their spot on the ladder, so we need to be focussed for what will be a very intense game.”
Lions coach Duane Gwiazdzinski, who has used over 30 players this season, will welcome back Tim Noble to his team after several weeks sidelined through injury and Jay Bonnell will get a chance to show what he can do in the halves alongside Langi.
Winger Jordan Tumoana and backrower Hamish Roshan are away, but Ethan Gourgaud is back to strengthen the forwards.
Ethan Gourgaud returns for the Lions / Photo – Carmel Potter-Green
“Jayden Evans is another loss,” Gwiazdzinski added. “Picked up a delayed concussion in last week’s game so he will have to go through the protocols.”
Gwiazdzinski though, is upbeat and ready for the challenge.
“We need to go through our processes and stay in the grind.
“It’s about basics, fronting up and working hard for each other.”
Gwiazdzinski is still working on getting his side in tune from the kickoff, admitting that last week they made mistakes early and were very ‘stop-start’.
“Those early mistakes can disrupt our flow and can often give the opposition opportunities,” he said.
Willagee Bears currently sit in third with seven wins and 14 points and they are still pushing for a top two place – to give them that second chance once the finals begin.
The Bears are coming off a disappointing performance against leaders North Beach last week, but will be fired up for the trip north to Joondalup.
“We have a few sore bodies from last week and a few out but I will be fielding a strong side,” Bears coach Nelson Davis said.
The squad had a recovery session at a local pool on Tuesday night as they look to rebuild the chemistry ahead of the finals.
Backrower Derek Chizuni is out and lock Rangi Thompson is 50-50 with halfback Ryan Mills a concern with a knee injury.
Ryan Mills is in doubt for this weeks clash / Photo – Carmel Potter-Green
“He’ll have a scan this week to see what the damage is, but it could be his season done,” Davis said.
Davis has forwards returning for a game that has a bit of spice to it, given the Giants upset the Bears when they met a few weeks ago in round 7.
“They played very well and beat us that day, so we’d like to get a win over them at their place,” Davis added.
“They have been improving so we have to be wary. They taught us a lesson last time.”
Joondalup will welcome back River Coleman, Jo Jo Ranger and Trent Lawrence for the game.
“They got the better of us in the first meeting, we won the second, so this third game is all to play for,” captain Taurean Sheehan said.
Taurean Sheehan looks for support / Photo – Joondalup Giants Rugby League Facebook
“We have to put together 80 minutes of football to win the game.
“Four games left, the ladder is tight and we still have a chance of making finals, so we need to try and win them all.”
Leaders North Beach are a win in front of South Perth and will be fully aware of the threat Rockingham pose as they attempt to consolidate top spot.
The Sharks are capable of scoring points – 96 in the past three games – so Beach coach Phil Douché has been watching recent game video this week to ensure they don’t upset his side’s winning run.
“I’ve watched their last two games and they are dangerous with the ball,” Douché said.
“Their front rowers have been putting in lot of work – Siddons is a machine and Antonelli really impressed against Fremantle. And their Number 14 (Rihare Te Rauna) showed lots of energy.”
Rihare Te Rauna has been in great for for the Sharks / Photo – Libby McMillan
The Sea Eagles are still missing several key players, but have maintained their run, with veteran half Jeremy Wallace a standout.
Big forward Shane Gillham returns after recently getting married, and Tom Fry, Justin Buckley and Tom Sinclair are all back in the squad.
Dangerous winger Riley Bradley will also be returning from an ankle injury.
Jaylen Grey and Brody Whitehead are missing with hand injuries and Bowman Stein is 50-50 after picking up a similar knock in the win over Willagee last week.
Shane Gillham returns for the Sea Eagles / Photo – Total Sports Photography
“We’re aware of the dangers and we know we have to control their strengths,” Douché said.
“A win will cement our top two spot, but we have a big four weeks ahead of us with games against Fremantle, South Perth and then Joondalup.”
Rockingham will still be without Crockett Henry who is starring for the CAS team at the U18s championships in Coffs Harbour, but recent addition Detroit Sluys-Tamanui at fullback has caught the eye.
With a forward pack that is improving with every game they will test Beach and 17-year-old Weyland Anrtonelli did enough to deservedly make the NRLWA team of the week in round 12.
“Weyland’s a great kid, always wanting to learn and he’s showing what he can do,” coach Pete Worth said.
“And Detroit is also a good kid, union player, so he will only get better as he transitions into league.”
Worth was pleased with his young side’s performance at Fremantle but conceded there was still a lot of work to be done.
“We keep fighting but we are guilty of too many compounding errors,” he said.
“We need to knuckle down and stay in the grind.”
Winger Cameron Webb is away and Trey Emery is another player likely to miss out.