NSW Rugby Media Release

Thursday 30 July, 2015

INTRUST SUPER SHUTE SHIELD FINALS SERIES – WEEK 1

The first week of the 2015 Intrust Super Shute Shield Finals Series begins this weekend, with three blockbuster matches played over two days.
 
Two matches will be broadcast on 7TWO with the first match up seeing the minor premiership winning Manly Marlins taking on the Galloping Greens from Randwick - a replay of their Round 18 clash the previous week.
 
For the second year in a row, the Marlins finished the regular season on top of the ladder but now they face stiff competition against a determined Randwick outfit.
 
Manly head coach Damien Cummins is buoyed by the return of the team’s captain, halfback Matt Lucas.
 
“Matt is a great leader and holds the utmost respect from the players. His leadership will be welcomed back along with his physicality around the field,” he said.
 
The second Saturday match will see Eastwood and Warringah face each other again, for the second week in a row for a chance to advance to the preliminary finals.
 
Eastwood spent the entire season fighting with Manly for the top spot on the ladder but a late season loss to Randwick let the top spot slip from their grasp.
 
The Woods’ finished the season as the statistically best attacking and defending side in the competition, but Warringah will not be deterred by their dominant form.
 
Just two weeks ago, Warringah were running hot on a five-game winning streak but two late losses in the last two weeks have cooled them down a bit. Head coach Greg Marr sees playing Eastwood two weeks in a huge as a huge positive.
 
“As well coached as they are, it will be difficult for them to change their game plan week in and week out, so we know what to expect and the challenge before us,” he said.
 
“We know we are close to them in terms of ability and skill, and can take some confidence from last week’s game.”
 
A resurgent Sydney University side will face Southern Districts on Sunday at 2.40pm at Forshaw Rugby Park.
 
Southern Districts have spent most of the season in third place on the ladder and have sat comfortably in front of the Students for most of the year, but in their current form, University will be tough to stop.
 
The Students finished the year by winning five of their final six games, thanks to some help from an influx of NSW Waratah players late in the year. Dave Dennis, Pat McCutcheon, Tolu Latu and Jeremy Tilse, as well as Rebel Tom Kingston have all been welcomed back, along with the recently 200-capped Tom Carter who has been nursing a few injuries this season.
 
CLICK HERE FOR FULL TEAM LISTS
 
INTRUST SUPER SHUTE SHIELD FINALS SERIES – WEEK 1
 
Saturday 1 August
 
Manly v. Randwick         
3:10pm Manly Oval
Qualification Final           
7TWO TV Match
Referee – Will Houston
ARS – Ian Smith, Amy Perrett
 
Eastwood v. Warringah 
3:00pm T.G. Millner Field
Qualification Final           
Referee – Edward Martin
ARS – James Leckie, Richard Goswell
 
Sunday 2 August

Southern Districts v. Sydney University  
2:40pm Forshaw Rugby Park        
Qualification Final
7TWO TV Match
Referee – Michael Hogan             
ARS – Andrew Lees, Ian Smith