Manly’s Ed Gower, Warringah’s Sam Ward, and Eastwood’s Tom Hill, reflect on a season in Italy, and life as an overseas rugby player

Having pushed Randwick to the wire in round one, and racked up 36pts against last year’s runners-up Manly in round two, Parramatta entered round three in search of the victory that would indicate their improvement as a side from 2015 will be no flash in the pan. West Harbour meanwhile, were still licking their wounds ahead of their trip to Merrylands RSL Rugby Park, after a second successive 50pt defeat the week before had consigned them to bottom place on the ladder.

With only two losses in 19 games and the boost of home advantage, Minor Premiers Manly came into this one in pretty good shape. But they faced a Sydney University side chock-full of Super Rugby talent and smarting from last week’s Qualifying Final defeat at the hands of Southern Districts.