It’s been 41 long years since Northern Suburbs last won a Shute Shield premiership, a long time between drinks.

They came close in 1998, but fell short against Gordon in the decider.

Peter Medway played No.8 for the Shoreman back in 1975 and says the majority of that premiership team will be at North Sydney Oval on Saturday to see if Norths can break their drought.

“I still remember the day fairly well. We beat Parramatta 9-6 in the grand final, it was a real dour affair,” Medway told Rugby News.

“They had a few internationals in their team and we had a few in ours. Ray Price was playing for Parramatta and that was his last game of club rugby before he went to league.

“Our captain was Reg Smith who played alongside Garick Fay in the second row. They were both Wallabies, then we had Peter Carson and Andy Stewart who went on to play for Australia a few years after.”

Medway said a crowd of close to 10,000 watched the decider at the old Sports Ground in Moore Park.

“It was a real arm wrestle and there weren’t many scoring opportunities. Our winger Dave Purll came close in the corner but was tackled out by Micky Martin and that was as close as either side got.”

In the end, three penalty goals to Allen Anderson proved the difference, as Norths claimed their first flag in 11 years.

“It was an unbelievable feeling, none of us had won a first grade premiership before. Norths won a few times in the mid 60’s but all those guys were gone so it was a fantastic feeling to win it, sheer exhilaration,” he recalled.

“The back page of the Sun Herald the next morning had a big photo of Reg Smith on Bob Thompson’s shoulders as they walked off the field.”

Medway is still involved at Norths and runs the line for second grade. He says a number of the 1975 old boys have kept a close eye of the first XV this season.

“They are an outstanding side. Simon Cron has coached them very well and Will Miller is a fantastic leader. I think he’s got a career in diplomacy in the years ahead, it’s amazing how he can chat with the referees,” he said.

“They appear to be a very well drilled side that play cohesively together. They play good attractive rugby and defend brilliantly.”

Although Norths have won 12 straight matches to book a spot in Saturday’s decider, minor premiers Sydney University will start favourites. The Students are looking to secure their eighth eighth Shute Shield title in 11 years.

“I think it will be a very even contest. Uni are a very strong side and they are probably perceived to be a stronger side, but I think Norths have a lot of character as a group and I think they have the potential to play really attractive football,” Medway said.

“It will be a very tight game but I think Norths can win by 8 points, that’ll do me.”