There are two more crucial clashes on Super Saturday, with an all-NSW match-up in the early kick-off and a couple of teams chasing their first win in the competition.
Marconi Stallions v Wollongong Wolves
Watch live on SBS and SBS On Demand
Kick-off: 1:00 pm (AEDT)
Venue: Marconi Stadium
In the early kick-off on Saturday, Marconi welcome Wollongong to The Palace.
The hosts had a happy return to the Palace on the national stage, securing a comprehensive 4-0 win over South Hobart.
Damian Tsekenis bagged a hat-trick with his first goals of the tournament, while an own goal added further gloss to the result.
Marconi’s first win of the Championship lifted them above Wollongong in Group B into second place on goal difference, three points behind Heidelberg United at the summit.
The Wolves were on the wrong end of a similarly big score as they went down 3-0 to Heidelberg United.
Despite a purposeful start from the side, they found themselves two goals behind early in the second as Heidelberg capitalised on set-piece opportunities.
A third goal finished off the contest at Collegians Sports Centre for Wollongong as they slipped to third in Group B, following their opening-match win.
The two matches between these teams in the NPL NSW season featured plenty of drama.
It was a special time for Wollongong the last time they visited The Palace. In Round 14, Lachlan Scott’s hat-trick guided Wollongong to a stunning 3-0 win over the Stallions, which ended their unbeaten run to start the year.
Scott was at it again in Round 29, opening the scoring, but Tyren Burnie pegged Wollongong back for Marconi in a 1-1 draw.
As Heidelberg face South Hobart in Round 3, second place is up for grabs between these sides, with a win for either team taking them into a qualification slot.
Sydney United 58 v MetroStars
Watch live on SBS and SBS On Demand
Kick-off: 3:15pm (AEDT)
Venue: Sydney United Sports Centre
In the later kick-off on Saturday, Sydney United 58 host MetroStars with both teams in need of a momentum-changing boost in the competition.
United 58 experienced were left dazed by a ruthless first-half performance from Wests APIA last Friday night and went into the sheds 3-0 down.
They conceded a fourth goal in the final 10 minutes, and miseries were compounded when Bailey Rule’s penalty was saved.
United 58 had previously had an impressive recent record against APIA, including lifting the Waratah Cup against them in 2023.
The defeat continues the side’s winless run to start the Championship, sitting in third with one point in Group D.
MetroStars have endured a stuttering start as well, with their second 1-0 loss of the tournament coming against Bayswater City in Round 2.
The NPL South Australia Premiers failed to break down Bayswater, and conceded in the aftermath of a second-half set piece, seeing them remain at the foot of the group.
As the gap continues to grow between these teams and the qualification slots, Saturday’s encounter takes on increased importance.
The top two of the group are in action this weekend, which gives the winning team on Saturday a chance to catch up.