After claiming a breakthrough Shute Shield premiership in 2023, Randwick looked a good chance of bringing more silverware back to Coogee Oval when they went on an eight-match winning streak towards the backend of the regular season.

But a loss to Eastwood in round 17 derailed the defending premiers top two plans, which set up a grand final rematch against a red hot Northern Suburbs' side in this year's preliminary final.

Overview with Steve Hoiles:

“Norths were too good in the preliminary final,” Hoiles told Rugby News.

“A few weeks earlier, we lost to Eastwood and that took the wind out of our sails a little. We lost a bit of momentum and then we ended up in a different part of the (finals) draw.

"You can’t rely on your draw, but I think we could have had a different outcome if we had of beat Eastwood and ended up higher on the ladder.