After only three rounds of the Citizens Shield competition, the Weston-based Valley side is the only team with a perfect record.
Old Boys is the only other club with a positive differential, of 70 points, and it has shown the ability to score tries from anywhere.
Maheno is in third place.
The representative season is on the horizon and some players are putting their hands up.
Those who are making an impression include Athletic Marist No8 Mosese Aho, hooker Josh Thomas, first five-eighth, Abel Magalogo, and centre Suliasi Tuivailala.
In the Excelsior ranks, prop Samuela Babiau, flanker Mat Duff, and inside back Josh Phipps are also possibilities.
From Maheno, forward Hayden Tisdall, first five eighth/fullback, Lachie Kingan, halfback Robbie Smith, if available, midfielder Sam Tatupu and outside backs Adam Johnson and Bryden Skinner all have impressed.
Old Boys has plenty of stocks with Manulua Taiti, powerful Soni Tongotongo, and a real prospect is the aggressive Junior Fakatoufifita at No8 or flank. Old Boys has a new inside back combination in Mataitini Feke at halfback and a developing young first five-eighth in Logan Wilson, an accurate goalkicker. Inoke Naufahu will start at fullback.
Valley offers a rugged and talented front row in tighthead Meli Kolinisau and loosehead Jake Greenslade.
Scott Ruddle and Blake Welsh are no-nonsense locks, and Cameron Rowland, Jacob Pledger and Sam Sturgess will take some matching.
Owen Davey, at halfback, and Jake Matthews are a solid inside back combination, centre Matt Vocea and wingers Taine Stirling and Pierre Tournaire are enthusiastic finishers, and young Ben Paton at fullback has shown real pace and ability.
Tomorrow, Excelsior meets Kurow, Old Boys plays Athletic Marist and Valley is at home to Maheno.
- Terry O'Neill
