Orange Emus coach Pete Bromley might think each of the Blowes Cup's top four is a premiership threat, but Dubbo Kangaroos mentor Paul Hausia thinks it is now a race between three.
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And those three don't include Bathurst Bulldogs.
The four sides advancing to finals is already decided heading into the last round but there's plenty still to be played out.
Emus are four points clear at the top of the ladder but aren't certain of staying there as they meet second-placed Cowra Eagles in a blockbuster clash.
Roos, who are guaranteed to finish fifth and miss out on finals this season after an injury-hit campaign, travel to play the fourth-placed Forbes Platypi while third-placed Bathurst Bulldogs will play wooden spooners Orange City.
"I think there's four genuine title contenders there on their day," Bromley said after the penultimate round.
Hausia doesn't see it that way as he ranks Emus and Cowra the top dogs but also expects Forbes to provide some stern competition.
The Eagles impressed the Roos coach when they ran out commanding 40-3 winners at No.1 Oval last Saturday while Forbes defeated Dubbo 42-7 earlier in the season.
"It's them and Forbes," Hausia said.
"Cowra is a surprise package to me because it might look scrappy but they're just big blokes and it's those offloads that killed us."
Bulldogs have already beaten Orange City twice - 34-31 in round five and 71-17 in round 10.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
