Hobart Lions’ TRU finals hopes hinge on securing victory over Glenorchy in a blockbuster Round 10 clash at Hutchins War Memorial Oval.
The fifth-placed Lions produced one of the season’s biggest upsets to topple Burnie 18-17 but require at least three wins from their five remaining games to enter the post-season.
Glenorchy currently sit at the bottom of the Premiership table with their sole win coming against Lions back in Round 3.
Burnie’s own title hopes will be put to the test against second-placed Taroona up at Emu Park while Harlequins and University host northern powerhouses Launceston and Devonport respectively.
In the women’s competition, Burnie hold pole position ahead of University and Harlequeens with three rounds remaining, including this weekend's carnival in Sandy Bay
The Emus reclaimed top spot last round, defeating Queens and Launceston enroute to another playoff against Uni decided by a last-gasp Katiola Patolo try.
So proud of all our Tasmanian Rugby Union Juniors involved with the recent Southern States Championship hosted by ACT & SNSW Club Rugby - check out some of their Tassie snaps below 💛💚📸📸
Posted by Tasmanian Rugby Union on Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Meanwhile, Tasmanian Rugby Union president Shaun Killian believes the state’s next generation will learn from last week’s gruelling representative tournament in Canberra.
More than 60 aspiring rugby stars donned the green and gold at the Southern States Junior Championships and while results didn’t fall Tassie’s way, Killian was pleased with the squad’s overall performance.
“It is tough for us playing against mainland teams because we do sometimes struggle with their speed and physicality, but I think we are closing that gap,” Killian said.
“Exposing our players to rugby at that next level gives them an understanding of where we need to get to, particularly for our under 18s.
“Now they’ve seen what they’re up against and where they need to be with their fitness, physicality and skillset, they can bring those lessons back to Tassie and bring other juniors up to speed during their regular season.”
