Complete 2021 Shute Shield Fixtures

The Shute Shield season is just a little over two months away, which means it’s almost time to start getting excited about the smell of Dencorub and sausage sizzles on a Saturday. 

Until then, we thought we’d take a look at five matches to look forward to in the first few weeks of the season. 

Round 1 – Manly v Gordon

The defending premiers begin their title defence with a trip to Manly Oval, in a match that pits new Gordon coach Billy Melrose against his former club. 

After losing a number of big names to professional contracts, the Stags will unveil a new look starting XV and most likely a new style of play under Melrose. 

Manly fans will be hoping round one marks the start of a new era for the Marlins, and that a number of the club’s young stars mature into classy first graders in 2021. 

Round 3 – Norths v Gordon

The first of two North Shore derbies in 2021 comes early with Norths set to host Gordon in round three at North Sydney Oval. 

This clash could easily have been a grand final rematch, had Norths not fallen just short against Eastwood in last year’s preliminary final. 

The Shoreman upset Gordon in a fiery clash at Chatswood in the two sides only meeting last year. 

Round 3 – Souths v Warringah

Both Souths and Warringah missed the playoffs in 2020 and will look to the next generation of players at each club to move up the ladder this season. 

Mike Ruthven will have his hands full trying to replace a Sam Ward and Josh Holmes sized hole in the Rats starting side, while Souths coach Todd Louden will be desperate to keep his young players on the park in 2021 after a terrible run with injuries last season. 

The clash is particularly crucial for the Rebels, who also meet Easts, Eastwood and Norths in the first month of the season. 

Round 4 – Easts v Eastwood

Most Shute Shield fans expected Easts not Eastwood to be playing on grand final day in 2020, but things didn’t quite pan out as the Beasties had planned. 

Easts will most likely start the season as the team to beat again this year, just as they have for the past two seasons and will be desperate to fulfil their potential in 2021. 

Eastwood exceeded most punters expectations last year but proved they could get the job done when it mattered and will be right in the mix again this season. 

Round 6 – Sydney Uni v Easts

Sydney Uni’s elimination in the opening week of the playoffs was a shock to many and particularly to those at University Oval. 

Premiership winning coach Rob Taylor has returned to the club after a season coaching in the UK though and will likely have the Students firing by the time they meet Easts in round six on what is traditionally Ladies Day at Sydney Uni. 

Complete 2021 Shute Shield Fixtures