Norths v Randwick Shute Shield grand final: Coach’s tip for 2023 crown, every game result

This coach has plotted against both clubs in the Shute Shield grand final multiple times in 2023 and he's been brave enough to tip one to win by 10. GF guide, run to the decider and history.

Shute Shield captains and coaches call. Pics: Karen Watson

Hunter Wildfires coach Scott Coleman has plotted against both clubs in the Shute Shield grand final multiple times in 2023 - and beaten both - and he's been brave enough to tip one of them to win by 10.

Coleman, who guided the Hunter side to the playoffs, is tipping against the team which beat his side to advance on in the club rugby competition.

Coleman favours Randwick over Northern Suburbs - the club who beat Hunter 23-17 in playoff one - to take the Shute Shield crown at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.

“I’m still a bit disappointed we didn't go the entire way,’’ said Coleman, already in the midst of players reviews and planning and recruiting for the 2024 season.

“But it (Hunters form in 2023) has built us credibility and sustainability, all our sponsors are back on board and excited with the progress we made.

What will decide Shute Shield grand final

Randwick and Norths Shute Shield captain. Picture: Karen Watson

“It something to build a big foundation.’’

Hunter was one of the few teams to take down Randwick this season but Coleman has tipped them for a 10 point victory on Saturday.

“We only played them once and beat them but they have had a lot of players back since then,’’ he said.

“I really believe we have the best two team there in the grand final. That doesn't always happen.

“If I have to pick I'd say Randwick by 10. They are too dangerous. Their scrum line has come along and they have strike power out wide. They are dangerous all over the field and they are playing what is in front of them.

“Norths, they are so consistent and cohesive and have been the same team for three to five years now with the same coaching staff.

“But I think Randwick has too much strike power.’’

Norths lost to Hunter 29-5 early in the competition before beating them 43-28 late in the season and 23-17 in Playoff 1.

Northern Suburbs run to the final

Norths: beat Sydney Uni 37-20, beat Souths 35-24, beat Randwick 28-23, lost to Manly 24-29, beat Gordon 23-17, lost to Eastwood 36-46, lost to Hunter 5-29, beat Easts 24-15, beat Warringah 49-21, beat West Harbour 29-21, beat Two Blues 27-19, beat Gordon 30-19, beat Sydney Uni 25-22, lost to Randwick 15-27, beat Warringah 27-21, beat Eastwood 34-29, beat Easts 48-12, beat Hunter Wildfires 43-28, Playoff 1: beat Hunter 23-17, Semis: beat Manly 23-5.

Randwick’s run to the final

Randwick: beat Warringah 22-15, lost to Hunter 24-31, lost to Norths 23-28, beat Easts 43-24, lost to Sydney Uni 14-21, beat Manly 34-27, beat Two Blues 36-29, beat West Harbour 22-19, lost to Eastwood 26-34, beat Souths 38-15, beat Gordon 35-21, beat Sydney Uni 44-33, drew with Manly 14-14, beat Norths 27-15, beat Easts 36-22, beat Two Blues 24-22, beat Souths 63-20, beat Warringah 49-0. Playoff 1: beat Gordon 32-23. Semis: beat Eastwood 38-20.