Shute Shield 2024 grand final: Stars, results from Norths v Randwick, Easts v Warringah elimination finals

A stable and composed outfit led by wise heads and a team of rising stars and big names will battle for the 2024 Shute Shield. How they got there, stars and elimination final wrap.

Easts beat Warringah at North Sydney Oval, to make the final. Picture: Karn Watson/SRU

Northern Suburbs have earned themselves a shot at redemption a year after being beaten for the Shute Shield club rugby crown and will take on a team showing guts and determination in spades in their quest for glory in Saturday’s elimination finals.

The Shoremen remarkably backed up after 100 minute of extra time football less than a week ago to defeat Randwick 34-17 in the first elimination final at North Sydney Oval on Saturday.

Eastern Suburbs then survived an enthralling and at times brutal contest with Warringah to secure their spot in the season decider with a courageous and memorable performance highlighted by a hattrick from a rising start of the game.

The Charter Hall Shute Shield grand final between Norths and Easts will be played at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday with the match a highlight of the NSW club rugby season.

2024 marks the fourth time Norths have made a grand final appearance in the last nine seasons.

2024 marks the first time since 2007 Easts have been in the decider.

Fans at the Charter Hall Shute Shield Elimination match between Randwick and Northern Suburbs. Picture: Karen Watson/SRU.

HOW THEY GOT TO THE GRAND FINAL

Easts finished as minor premier while northern Suburbs were fifth on the table at the end of he regular season of 18 matches.

In the semi-finals Easts defeated Manly 45-17 and Norths beat Warringah 30-16.

in the elimination final Easts beat Warringah 38-34 and Norths beat Randwick 34-17.

Easts beat Warringah in a thrilling match.

NORTHERN SUBURBS V RANDWICK STANDOUTS, MATCH WRAP

The first elimination final was a replay of last year’s grand final won by Randwick 17-15.

But a year on it was Northern Suburbs - winners in a torrid extra time in the semis against Warringah just six days earlier - who dominated thanks to a cool, collect and measured start to the match which saw them up 17-0 after just 21 minutes.

Max Burey set the pace early with a try from the outside in the third minute with Roan Frostwick going over in the 13th for the second try.

Norths on the burst in the elimination final. Picture: Karen Watson/SRU.

An inform Jude Gibbs converted two plus a pair of penalty kicks to help an attacking Norths to an impressive 20-3 halftime jump over a Randwick side failing to spark.

Randwick fly half Andrew Deegan, winner of the 2024 Ken Catchpole Medal for Player of the Year, put first points on the board for his side off a penalty kick late in the first half.

Randwick made repeated attacks on their line before Ellis finally penetrated in the 51st minute thanks to Joel Ellis.

The Charter Hall Shute Shield match on Saturday won by Norths.

Another Deegan conversion gave Randwick hope as they moved to within 10 points of first half favourites Norths,

But reserve Jack Radford moved Norths out of the danger zone briefly with their first try of the half before Tom Nowlan scored and Deegan converted again to put Randwick back within 10.

Hugh Sinclair confirmed the result for his side as Gibbs nailed his fourth conversion of the match for the mighty 34-17 win.

Their set piece, line-up, execution and discipline all contributed to the Norths victory and will be key to their success in the season decider.

Easts v Warringah at North Sydney Oval on Saturday. Picture: Karen Watson/SRU

WARRINGAH V EASTERN SUBURBS STANDOUTS, MATCH WRAP

In an extraordinary match between the two form sides of the regular season the lead changed on multiple occasions and it was anyone’s until the final whistle

In an extraordinary performance Cody Miln put Warringah back ahead - 34-31- with nine minutes to go with the 31st point off his boot.

Coby Miln was in sensational form.

It meant Easts needed a try for the win and young gun Darby Lancaster obliged, going over for his third of the match to end Warringah’s dream of playing in the 2024 grand final and delivering his side a gutsy 38-34 victory.

Warringah scored just one try in the match thanks to Komiti Tuilagi who then left the field with an injured shoulder, with Miln scoring 31 points off his boot, including a drop goal at a crucial time of the match.

Teddy Wilson was another standout for Easts with two tries and plenty of composure to help Easts to their first grand final appearance since 2007.

Charlie Gamble also starred while Cooper Whiteside nailed five conversions and a penalty.

More from AMANDA LULHAM HERE

Originally published as Shute Shield 2024 grand final: Stars, results from Norths v Randwick, Easts v Warringah elimination finals