The 2011 Shute Shield rugby competition has produced some exciting matches and big upsets. Six rounds have now been completed and we are approaching the stage where performances and ladder standings can give us some kind of indication of how the season might finish.
Eastern Suburbs
Have just made it to second position on the Shute Shield ladder. Managed a big win against Manly and a victory over Sydney Uni. Big tests to come, still need to play against more quality opposition to justify their place on the ladder but these early victories will provide positive thoughts in the upcoming rounds.
Eastwood
The undefeated competition leaders have been impressive from start to finish. Had tough opponents in the first four rounds (Southern Districts, Sydney University, Randwick and Manly), but managed to win every game and deservedly be the competition leaders.
Gordon
The big surprise of the competition, were expected to be around the bottom of the ladder but have managed to reach as high as second and have been undefeated in the last five matches. Their victories haven’t been against the strongest sides, but they are winning consistently something they were unable to achieve last season. A player to look out for is their fullback, Dion Berryman who you might have noticed playing some very exciting football in the Shute Shield’s last two televised matches, he has been performing well all season.
Manly
Won their first three matches, then lost consecutively to Eastwood then Eastern Suburbs whilst playing understrength. Manly are back on the winners list with a with a victory against West Harbour last week. They should find themselves back in the top three very soon.
Northern Suburbs
A weak first few rounds but have managed wins over Sydney Uni and Southern Districts the last two weeks, currently sitting inside the top six. If they maintain some consistency they could be the surprise of the year. Have another test this week against Randwick at home in the televised game.
Parramatta
They have been a big improvement on recent years, the problem is they have had a tough early draw (Uni, Randwick and Manly) but they’ve been competitive in every game and managed to score their first win in two years against Warringah in a match away from home. Put in a strong performance last week against undefeated Eastwood, which some say they should have won if it hadn’t been for a few tough decisions.
Penrith
The big news of last week was Penrith’s one point upset away victory against Randwick. Have been competitive in most of their matches. The question is can they follow on from their solid performance and have a real go at the top six and start taking victories from more of the top sides?
Randwick
Last year’s grand finalists have disappointingly found themselves outside of the top six. Their unexpected losses to Warringah and Penrith makes them look very vulnerable and will give every side who plays them some confidence. Outside of those games they have had their usual scorelines. Their match this week against the in form Northern Suburbs will be vital for their confidence this season.
Southern Districts
Going along steadily in fifth position, have not had the brilliant undefeated start to the season as they did last year. Quite a few eyes are on Souths as former Brisbane Broncos player Denan Kemp has started to play for them. A fairly solid side which should win more then lose this season seeing them off into the finals.
Sydney Uni
They have had a disappointing start to the Shute Shield season including an upset loss to Northern Suburbs at North Sydney Oval last week. Expect them to bounce back later in the season as they usually do.
Warringah
Had a great first round with an upset win over Randwick but have since lost every match including a hammering to rivals, Manly 55-12 in front of a large crowd. Unexpectedly they are currently sitting on the bottom of the ladder.
West Harbour
Much like Parramatta have been competitive in pretty much every game. Have had close losses to Southern and Sydney Uni. They are the type of team that can beat any team on their day, they just lack the consistency to really challenge for the top six.
Davo
Guest
Eastwood could get players like Ben Hand and James Hilgendorf back ? Can't think of any others immediately. Apart from Grant and Berryman there are a couple of other exciting sharp outside backs such as Clinton Sills at Randwick who is probably the truly fastest footballer in Australia, Liam Windon at Wests and Anton La Vin at Easts. Penriths rock, Pete Niumata has been killing it but rep footy has probably past him by. The Penrith centre pairing goes great too. Plenty of good players across the comp who would do no worse than some of the Brumbies and Rebels running about at present.
Keir
Guest
I seem to recall that he left midway through last season. I can't remember where he went though. I seem to recall that due to the extended Super Rugby seasons that we now have the provincial players won't play at all for their clubs. Well certainly not the Wallabies but I guess we'll just see later on. Up the Wicks!
RickG
Guest
John Grant and Hugh Perret at eastwood are a couple (Perret's aligned with Melbourne rebels now after excelling at club level for years). Does anyone know what's ahppened to Adam Darcy at Manly? He was killing it for years; has he gone to Japan or Europe?
Dcc
Guest
I'm surprised that Manly aren't doing a bit better. I know its never the same in reality but on paper their pack looks awesome and they have some rather useful backs. I don't get to see any coverage of the SS in UK but read the reports on Club rugby. I guess the worry might be Tim Lane as coach, don't know that this guy has ever really improved a team under his control.
CizzyRascal
Roar Guru
You mentioned Dion Berryman but are there any other players that have stood out and could maybe make the step up?
Crashy
Guest
Eastwood looking very strong. Apart from Lachie Turner and Matt Dunning which other starts could we see coming back to play? Would love to see any team apart from Uni and Randwick in the finals.
MJB
Guest
I think it should be stipulated (By NSW rugby) that they choose who the super rugby players play for UNLESS the player has an affiliation with a club via Junior Reps. I can't believe they don't do this already. As a former Two Blues & Eastwood junior I could never work out why they didn't do this. That's why. Tatafu should be applauded on his efforts. Imagine the turn out at a Penrith Emus game if they had Wendell or Lote playing for them during the league convert raid! Would have been huge!! Instead Wendell played at Norths (I think). And yes I hope Mortlick is seen in a Gordon jersey again this year at some stage. Anyway end of rant... -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Carl Unger
Roar Pro
Yes, unsurprisingly the issue regarding end of season imports has arrived. I agree that imports should be spread out more evenly. It's dissapointing enough that we go through all these rounds of competition only for certain team's chances to totally turn upside down thanks to imports who just turned up at the business end of the competition. However I do think it's fantastic for Shute Shield popularity and crowd support when these top profile players make appearances but If you're going to have imports don't let teams have disproportionate amounts. (eg. Randwick and Uni) Speaking of imports it would be fantastic to see Stirling Mortlock playing for his old team Gordon again.
RickG
Guest
True. I haven't checked the dates but with a later-finishing super season, plus the WC, perhaps we won't see as many returning? It's a shame in a way if that happens but it also might even things up a little.
peeeko
Roar Guru
early form means nothing in this competition, when randwick and uni get all their rep players back in a few months, the whole comp changes. Super rugby players, especially imports (Berrick Barnes) should be more evenly distributed
RickG
Guest
Good rundown. I've been impressed with the progress of Parra and Penrith, and some other sides like Gordon. It will be interesting to see how the longer Super rugby season affects the back-half of the season. Don't write too much into Uni's current form - as with previous years I expect they'll come home strong with a host of Super and Intl players as usual. Having said that I'd love to see a Manly, Easts or Souths shake things up and win the title for as change.