We're halfway through the 2024 Shute Shield regular season and Warringah and Easts, two sides that missed the finals last year, both sit in the top three.

With no rugby over the June long weekend, we thought we'd check in with each of the 12 coaches to find out how they are travelling after nine rounds and what they are expecting in the months ahead.

First us, Easts, Gordon and Warringah.

Eastern Suburbs with Ben Batger - 3rd (6 wins, 3 losses)

How would you describe your first half of the season? 

"I'd say we've had a solid start to the year, I'd probably give it a B if I had to grade us," Batger told Rugby News.

"Most people would be happy sitting third after the tough year the club had last year but we are trying to develop a new set of standards and behaviours and we haven’t got there yet."

What do you need to improve on in the weeks ahead? 

"We need to be more clinical. We have had chances to win every game but unfortunately we've shot ourselves in the foot at times.

"Whether it be a needless penalty, a lazy tackle or pushing a pass. We've put ourselves under too much pressure with unforced errors. Sometimes we get away with it but others times you don’t and if we don’t eradicate that part of our game we won’t be a top four side. 

Who is the most influential player in the competition and why?