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.

Next up, West Harbour and Western Sydney

West Harbour with Cam Treloar – 12th (1 win, 8 losses)

How would you describe your first half of the season? 

“It’s been really disappointing. We came in with far higher aspirations than where we are currently sitting,” Treloar told Rugby News.

“We had a number of new players that were learning each other names as they were also trying to learn the game plan.

“I underestimated the value of pre season beyond simple physical outcomes. The group is starting to come together now really well, but unfortunately we missed the jump.”

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

“Everything but especially our defensive resilience.

“Our lineout was shaky at the beginning of the year but has been gradually improving and our scrum has been a real strong point. There are no easy fixes other than to work really hard on our game and care for each other.”

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

“I think Milan Basson is huge for his team and a massive presence in the competition. There isn’t much that he doesn’t do really well and he’s also a good leader.

“The other obvious answer is Coby Milne, that boot gets the Rats in the right area and he can attack well too.”

Which two teams will play in this year’s grand final? 

“At this stage, I’ll say West Harbour and Easts,” Treloar predicted.

Western Sydney with Reece Suesue (captain) – 9th (4 wins, 5 losses)

How would you describe your first half of the season? 

“We started the season strong but we haven’t been too pleased with our results overall and more recently, we’ve really struggled in second halves of games, which hasn’t helped things,” Suesue told Rugby News.

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

“We’ve run out of gas in the second halves of games over the last month so we need to stop that. Our penalty count is also too high, so our discipline needs to improve.”

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

“Mali Manukia at Manly is a seriously underrated flanker. He is very good over the ball and a very strong carrier.”

Which two teams will play in this year’s grand final? 

“I’ll say Two Blues and Manly to make the grand final.”