Little over a month ago, Rugby League fans and critics all had cleaned off any chance that 2005 Premiers, the Central Coast Falcons to have a chance to defend their title. With all but 5 Rounds remainding in the Premier League, Central Coast name has risen as the dark horse for the finals and it's all come down to one man: JC.

We aren't talking about Jordan Capri who has had a blinder season at the Falcons, scoring 11 tries from 23 appearances and talling up 11 Player of the Match points. Fans have dubbed the new #7 Sean Long as JC or quiet frankly, Jesus Christ. The man who's come into the side and so far as a 2 from 2 win track record. 34-24 over 2nd placed Northern Cannons and 42-0 over Hornsby. Already the bandwagon supporters are making their way back to the club to see how far this streak will continue.

What has changed around the Falcons camp? The main thing which has instilled it winning culture in the club is the shift of playing styles. Under the controll of Brent Sherwin, the Falcons relyed heavily on kicking which often wouldn't bring home the big wins against Gold Coast, Wellington and Northern. Sean has come in with his own style which distributes the ball more often to the backline of El Masri/Utai/Capri/Calderwood. Mickey Higham has had more freedom from dummy-half and Braith Anasta has been able to forge a connection between the halves and the forwards.

Another contributing factor has been linking up with England coach Anthony Magro and England Internationals: Stuart Fielden, Paul Sculthorpe, Marc Calderwood, Gareth Hock and Adrian Morely. Working with these players before has helped easied Sean into the squad.

Currently sitting 6pts out of the 8, the Falcons can't afford to drop one game. With 5 games to go, this is the Falcons finals opponents;
Rd 22: Auckland Pirates
Rd 23: Wagga Stallions
Rd 24: Sydney Oilers (Crown Casino Risk)
Rd 25: Darwin Cyclones
Rd 26: Perth Taipans

Round 22-23 + 25-26 are achieable wins but they clash against the inform team of the competition in Round 24 in the Sydney Oilers. While the Falcons and Oilers have a large history, both the players and coach have big things to prove. For the Oilers, it's another notch in the belt and hopefully another Crown Casino Risk trophy in the cabnet, while the Falcons will be desprerately looking for the extra 3 competition points. If the Falcons lose against Sydney, many predict the Falcons players to lose their focus and enthuasim so it is do or die time.

For now, the Falcons look at short term goals... looking to take out each Round at a time and not get too far ahead of themselves. This week they play host to the Auckland Pirates, who are clouded with an injury of Ricardo and are looking to avoid relegation.

The Falcons have named a similar squad which defeated Hornsby 42-0. England International Gareth Hock will return into the run on squad with James Manson dropping to the bench. With no injury concern at the Falcons, the Falcons hope to make it 3 from 3.

1. L. Patten
2. M. Calderwood
3. J. Capri
4. M. Utai
5. H. El Masri
6. B. Anasta
7. S. Long
8. S. Fielden
9. M. Higham
10. S. Price
11. G. Hock
12. S. Burger
13. P. Sculthorpe ©

14. A. Morely
15. J. Manson
16. R. Maitua
17. G. Timms