Shute Shield finals 2022: Norths v Manly Marlins preview, schedule, latest news

Norths only just escaped with an important win last round but their coach couldn’t be happier as the Shute Shield preliminary finals kick off this weekend. FULL SCHEDULE

Shute Shield action in a Manly v Norths match this season. Pic: Karen Watson

They ended up on the right side of the scoreboard but Norths got a scare in their final match of the regular season and coach Zak Beer couldn’t be happier.

Beer believes the tough match against Eastern Suburbs, where the Besties "threw the house’’ at Norths, is perfect preparation for the Shute Shield finals series and their first-up encounter with the Manly Marlins in Saturday’s qualifying finals.

“It was the perfect game in preparation for us, the lead changed a few times, they threw the house at us,’’ said Beer of his team who are the highest try-scoring side in the comp.

SHUTE-ING FOR THE STARS: AWARD WINNERS

Shute Shield action in a Manly v Easts match earlier this season. Pic: Karen Watson

“We also had Eastwood, Souths and the Two Blues leading into this match and all of them have been different.

“The one constant is they have been physical encounters and have ended well for us.

“That’s great grounding and we have taken the lessons from each game.’’

Northern Suburbs confirmed their Shute Shield minor premiership with the 32-29 victory over Easts - only the fourth time the club has achieved the feat in 123 years after success in 1929, 1960 and 2001.

Beer said he expecting a touch and entertaining encounter on Saturday where the winner will earn a week off.

“Manly were the ladder leaders for a large part of the season and they are a physical and set piece oriented team,’’ Beer said.

“They like to kick a lot and when they do it well, they can be dangerous.

“It will be a great contest this weekend.

Shute Shield action in a Manly v Norths match. Pic: Karen Watson

SHUTE SHIELD 2022 PRELIMINARY FINALS SCHEDULE

Norths v Manly North Sydney Oval 13/8/2022 3:10pm

Sydney Uni v Randwick, Sydney University Football Ground 13/8/2022 3:30pm

Eastwood v Eastern Suburbs, Eric Tweedale Stadium 13/8/2022 3:30pm

Warringah v Gordon Pittwater Rugby Park 14/8/2022 3:05pm

SHUTE SHIELD LADDER AT END OF 2022 SEASON

Norths: 12 wins, one draw, 5 losses, For: 416 Against: 169, Pts: 69

Sydney Uni: 13 wins, 0 draws, 5 losses, For: 509. Against: 318. Pts: 67

Randwick: 10 wins, 1 draw, 7 losses, For: 485, Against: 473. Pts: 54

Manly 10: wins, 0 draws, 8 losses, For: 450, Against: 389. Pts: 54

Eastwood: 10 wins, 0 draws, 8 losses, For: 489, Against: 399. Pts: 52

Warringah: 10 wins, 0 draws, 8 losses, For: 437, Against: 476. Pts: 50

Gordon 9: wins, 0 draws, 9 losses, For: 491. Against: 477. Pts:49

Eastern Suburbs: 8 wins, 0 draws, 10 losses, For: 473, Against: 442. Pts: 49

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