What are the six talking points after six rounds of Woodbridge Cup play?

While some teams sit where we thought they would, there have been some surprising performers - both on the good and bad front.

We've already witnessed a big chunk of the season, so let's break down the six main talking points throughout the first six rounds of play.

Without further adieu:

It's become clear to us that if you're not from Canowindra, you might be growing tired of the Tigers-related headlines.

But, guess what... if you win games like these blokes are winning them, you're going to get coverage.

Kev Grimshaw was tight-lipped in the lead-up to the winter, refusing to reveal several key names he had playing on his squad in 2021.

And while the crafty mentor had people guessing for a little while, the jig is officially up.

Ronald Lawrence has been a revelation for the Tigers as his leadership on and off the field has this team sitting 5-0.

But it's not just big Ronnie who's doing bits... Kane Earsman, Callum Clyburn, Jonico Hartwig, and Nathan Whatman have all been instrumental.

The Tigers have taken out Molong, Trundle and Peak Hill so far this season, so you can't really use a strength of schedule argument against them.

The real litmus test will come in round eight when they head to Manildra to face the Rhinos (who we also have our radar on)... if they can dispose of Luke Petrie and the boys, look out.

We understand competitions aren't won in May, but if there was a Woodbridge Cup betting market, could you have the Tigers any longer than $2?

We'll leave it up to you.

This isn't something we get a kick out of, but The Condobolin Rams aren't going to make any noise this year (barring an epic recruitment drive).

It's not because they aren't trying, because they're sure as hell having a crack, but because the results simply haven't been there... at all.

The Rams are a disappointing 0-5 throughout the first portion of the season with a ghastly differential of 78-330.

Outside a two-point loss to Cargo, their narrowest losing margin is 30.

The club mentioned in the pre-season that there's a lot of fresh blood at the team, and that bodes well for futures years. But, for now, it's a rebuilding year.

Touted by The Central Western Daily as the soon-to-be premiership winners (GULP), the Molong Bulls have been plagued by injuries so far.

Two thirds of the Barrow trio is missing indefinitely, while Mitch Gallagher and Lawrence Fogg are another pair of massive outs, and that's just the top of it.

We've got no doubt that a fully fit Molong side can compete for a premiership, but how much damage will be done between now and when they get their troops back.

The boys in blue currently sit in second-last place with just two wins to its name.

Todd Barrow's boys play Eugowra and Condobolin before the bye, so you could make the case they return for a round 10 clash against Trundle with three wins to their name.

If they're able to do that, they'd be within strike distance of the finals cut-off... but it's a big if.

With all this talk about Canowindra, it would be easy to assume that we're overlooking the Rhinos... well, that simply isn't true.

While we're dubbing the Tigers as competition favourites, the Red V is right behind them.

Captain-coach Luke Petrie looks to be an entire echelon above his opposition in 2021, and pick-ups like Will Petrie and Semisi Tupou are going great guns.

Their defence has also been sensational, conceding just 42 points through five contests, good for an average of 8.4 points per game.

If you ask Manildra, they probably like flying slightly under the radar, and Petrie will be the first to admit that there's lots for his side to still improve on.

But, if you really want to know why we don't speak about Manildra in the same breathe as we do Canowindra, it's pretty simple.

Strength of schedule.

Based on ladder positioning, Manildra's toughest test so far was a round one meeting against Peak Hill at home, a side they defeated 24-14.

Since then, they haven't faced anyone who ranks inside the competition's top four.

Turning to the Tigers, they have defeated both Trundle and Peak Hill on the road... see where we're going, here?

Having said all that, no one would be shocked if the Rhinos pipped the Tigers in two weeks...

Will that happen? Only time will tell.

Any time a side has qualified for five premierships in-a-row, they must be included in the post-season conversation.

In the case of the Trundle Boomers, their resume reads nicely in 2021.

They currently hold a 4-1 record, with their only blemish coming in the way of a 24-20 loss to Canowindra in round three... not bed, eh?

Not only have Jessie Durning's men been a tough out for anyone, but their defence has been impressive.

73 points against is almost on par with Canowindra, and good for the third best defensive unit in the league.

If Trundle is in the post-season bracket when the finals start (which it almost certainly will be), you'd be a brave man to rule them out.

If you want to talk about tough schedules, look at who Peak Hill has come up against so far.

Torin Hando's Roosters have played Canowindra, Manildra and Trundle this season, two of which were on the road.

They lost to Manildra by 12 in round one, Trundle by seven in round five, and Canowindra by 10 in round six. Translation: these lads aren't far off the pace.

In every competition, there's always a team that's a danger of turning it on and going on an epic run to win the title - enter the the 2005 Wests Tigers.

If you're looking for a grouping with similar upside in this year's Woodbridge Cup edition, look no further than Peak Hill.

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