Delore is in fifth place on 11 points in the three-two-one voting system, eight points a drift of Wanderers fly-half Luke Simmons, with five rounds remaining.

He was in a similar position 12 months ago and stormed home, collecting eight points in the final four rounds, to beat Merewether captain Jay Strachan by a point.

Waratahs player coach Carl Manu and Maitland breakaway Sapati Peniata are second on 16 points, followed by Delore and Strachan. 

* Leading referee Jarryd Logan faces a race against the clock to the be fit for the finals. Logan ruptured the medial ligament in his knee when collected by Hamilton’s Sammi Paulsson in the first half against Nelson Bay.

* Southern Beaches and Wanderers will play for the Tony Wansey Shield at Alan Davis Field on August 5. Wansey, who has been an integral member at both clubs, suffered a stroke earlier this year and requires 24-hour-a-day assistance. As well play for the shield, the day is a fundraiser. Wansey won a first-grade premiership with Wanderers and has been involved with Beaches, filling all roles on the board, since 2003. For more information or to make a donation, contact Al Logan 0412 931 111.

* The Wallabies will hold a final open training session at No.2 Sportsground on Friday starting at 5pm.

* Lake Macquarie hooker Josh Nicho has been cleared of a serious knee injury and should be back playing in a fortnight.