Two well-rested sides coming off a bye last weekend clash on Saturday as the Tuggeranong Vikings prepare to take on the Uni North Owls in Round 5 of the BentSpoke John I Dent Cup at Viking Park (3:05PM kickoff).
The Vikings are hoping to keep up the momentum after winning Round 3 at home against the Gungahlin Eagles before getting the rest the following weekend. Meanwhile the Owls spent their free weekend recovering from a defeat to the Canberra Royals in Round 3.
Back in the side this week is Vikings captain Lachlan Hooper who will be guided by the in-form flyhalf Ryan Hoare will be key in this weekends matchup. They look to take down a formidable Uni outfit this week and these two players will need their fingerprints all over the game too claim a win.
Hoare featured in Round 3's Team of the Week after masterfully leading his backs around in the number 10 jersey at Viking Park. Hoare will have to replicate that performance as he goes head-to-head with arguably the form 10 in the competition in Samuel Toa.
Sam Toa
The Owls key to attack is back in the number 10 jersey this week and he has been vital to the Owls start to the season. His eyes up footy in attack worries a lot of sides in the competition as he will surely be a danger to the Vikings backline.
Pelasio Samuelu Niuula
New to the club Pelasio Samuelu Niuula has made a statement right away and is a force to be reckoned with. Niuula is such an attacking threat with plenty of speed to burn on the wing. The powerful winger is seemingly set for a strong 2025 season, and will be ready to show off his talents again in Round 4.
Jonathan Ryan (Tuggeranong Vikings) vs Joshua Reis (Uni Norths owls)
Both dominant around the breakdown and tough individual players, the battle of the 7's will be vital for both clubs this weekend. The Vikings number 7 Jonathan Ryan is a bulldozer with the ball in hand and is sure to take each encounter with Joshua Reis personally; a key part to Uni's breakdown masterclass.
