Over the years there has been plenty of speculation on who writes the Opens Championship preview. The truth is there have been many contributors, all who have been intimately involved in both divisions but it has never been the General Manager. In 2017, we have asked the boss to run his eye over his favourite event, and he agreed. So for the first time in print, here it is from the boss’s desk. Are we on the verge of history? No open’s team has ever done the triple Country Championships, Vawdon Cup and State Cup. So it’s certainly no easy feat at the very top level of the sport. In fact, only the 91 Wollongong Devils W27 have managed to accomplish the triple, so the Doylason Dragons could set a record that may stand for a very long time. Are they confident enough to take on the task or will the pressure prove too much for the Dragons? Well they haven’t shirked any challenge in 2017, so I can’t see them turning away from the Cup. However, as anyone who has played in any division of this fantastic event knows, it’s not easy to win. In fact, I still believe with all the elements thrown in, the Cup is still the biggest and hardest event to win, and that’s why everyone wants to play in it and keep coming back. The Doylason charge in 2017 is an interesting one to follow, as it is a ‘charge’ that started a few years back. It’s fair to say they have been building towards this season and Coach Banks’ many, many hours planning and developing her plays certainly has come to fruition. However, the sixty- four thousand dollar question remains. Can they make history? A challenge it will be as those vying to stop history line up, and they have credentials. The Eels can feel a little like the Vawdon Cup might have got away from them. They were the best team through the rounds and produced a cracking performance in the Qualifying Final that had many, including me thinking the Vawdon was theirs to lose. Take nothing away from Doyalson, but it would have been interesting to see how the game might have played out had they taken just one of the wasted opportunities in the final. They are a young team who broke through here, at this event in 2015, and they have the talent to capitalise again this year. Temperament in the big moments on State Cup Sunday might be their Achilles heal, and it’s the teams that can convert the big moments that in more cases than not win the Cup. What I like about this year’s Cup is that the event is seemingly wide open, possibly the most open Men’s Open in the history of the game. Just following the form might not be enough to try and work out who you think might win. Wests seemed to venture on a rebuilding path this year, but then tossed last year’s State Cup winner Penrith in the Preliminary Semi-Finals of Vawdon. Penrith seemed to have an off year, but they are a far better team than they have shown so far in 2017. Bankstown has had a breakout season, but seemed to make some tactical errors at crucial times that cost them dearly. What scars will Bankstown carry into the Cup from losing to an understrength and undermanned Lions team? The Lions are so unpredictable in the way that they play. What is predictable about them is that with the ‘old firm’ back together with some exciting youngsters added, we all know they will be thereabouts come Sunday. Then there are the unknowns tantalising the field. The Wollongong Devils sat out Vawdon. The unanswered question is will that help or hinder them? Do they have the miles in the legs or will the freshness be a benefit? Will the combinations other teams built up over the season be too much to overcome without having had the same opportunity? They are a talented group with a couple of old heads back, so who knows, they could very well feature on Sunday. Murwillumbah with Jones and Norman at the helm can never be discounted. I love the way both play the game, and the Mavericks will push every team they come up against. Teams who face them first game Sunday are sure to be nervous. Then the Dogs, will Roberts play? There is a whisper that the spiritual leader will be back for the Dogs. Personally, I think it is a smokescreen, but it would be good to see Steve back for another crack. The Dogs have been coming to grips with a change in style with their new coach, and I don’t think they have fully grasped it yet, but they are a tuff State Cup unit who always do well. Then there is Manly. They are the enigma in the field. They could make the Final and honestly, I would not be surprised. They could miss the Quarters, and I would not be surprised. Personally, I’d love to see them and their exciting brand playing on Sunday. The Women’s too is very interesting. Many will be saying the Seas Eagles will make it three in a row. Who am I to disagree, the form line certainly supports it, and I love the way they play. It reminds me very much of a 34 | Keeping In Touch 2016 IMG002_NSWTouch_Dec17_v3_FILM_R.indd 34 28/11/17 4:22 pm