After 10 rounds, the 2016 Intrust Super Shute Shield competition appears to be one of the closest in recent years with just 11 points separating first and eighth spot. As we reach the back end of the season, Rugby News has taken a moment to look back on each sides start to the year to work out who are the contenders and who are the pretenders.

Sydney University (1st, 40pts): A+

Tim Davidson’s relatively young Sydney Uni side lead the competition after 10 rounds and probably still haven’t played their best rugby. The Students set the tone for their season with a win over Eastwood in round one and have only dropped games to Randwick and West Harbour. A 27-23 win over Southern Districts in round 9, after trailing 20-3, proved the Students have plenty of fight and the experience needed in big matches.

Randwick (2nd, 37pts): A

Randwick were brilliant in the early stages of the season but have lost two of their last three matches to sides they should have beaten (Warringah and Norths), handing top stop to Sydney Uni. The Galloping Greens have a big mobile forward pack and electric outside backs and are playing like a side that have nothing to lose. Their lack of experience is the only concern heading into the pointy end of the season.

Eastwood (3rd, 37pts): B

It’s hard to be overly critical of the defending champions when they’re only one win from the top of the ladder but Eastwood still haven’t hit their straps yet this year. Only five players from last year’s grand final side remain in the Woodies first XV, yet they’ve still beaten Souths and Manly this year and are always going to be a threat towards the back end of the season. Next week’s clash against Sydney Uni will give a good indication of where Eastwood stand.

Southern Districts (4th, 36pts): B-

Like Eastwood, Southern Districts remain in striking distance of the top of the ladder but have been far from their best so far this year. The Rebels have struggled to put together an 80 minute performance this season and continually drift in and out of matches. In saying that, Souths attack has looked lethal at times and more consistency should come towards the back end of the season.

Eastern Suburbs (5th, 35pts): A

Eastern Suburbs have been the big improvers of the 2016 season and are right in the mix this year, after winning just four matches in 2015. Darren Coleman’s side has picked up a four try bonus point in nine of their 10 matches so far and proved they can match it with the big boys in a come from behind victory over Manly last weekend. The Beasties set piece has been inconsistent at times but if they can fix that, they look to be a genuine playoff threat.

Manly (6th, 32pts): B-

Last year’s grand finalists haven’t looked quite as dominant as they have in recent years but have shown plenty of promise in tough victories over Randwick and Warringah. Flanker Katoni Ale returned from injury against the Rats and will add plenty of grunt to the Marlins pack as he returns to full fitness. Like Southern Districts, Manly have struggled to play out matches so far this year however it’s difficult to imagine the Marlins not being in the mix at the back end of this season.

Warringah (7th, 32pts): C

Warringah have been one of the most inconsistent performers so far this year. At their best, the Rats beat Randwick and gave Souths, Uni and Manly a real scare but they’ve struggled against a number of sides below them on the table and have been lucky to grind out a few tight wins. Warringah have lost four matches by seven points or less already this year and will need to win their tight matches to push into the top six.

Northern Suburbs (8th, 29pts): B-

Norths proved they’re a side not to be dismissed with a gritty victory over Randwick last week and sit just outside of the top six. The Shoreman have the best defensive record in the competition and almost knocked off Eastwood earlier this year, but will need to win consistently if they are to push their way into the playoffs. Norths do have a favourable run towards the finals though. They play five sides in the bottom six in their final eight matches.

West Harbour (9th, 22pts): C

Despite an upset victory over Sydney Uni, there hasn’t been a lot for West Harbour fans to get excited about this year. The Pirates have beaten the three teams below them on the ladder but have struggled to close out games against the better sides so far this year. Regardless, the Pirates are the type of side who can upset anyone on their day and could cause a few upsets in the run towards the finals.

Parramatta (10th, 16pts): C+

Parramatta caused the upset of the season when they beat Eastwood in round nine and almost repeated the effort last Saturday night in a narrow loss to Sydney Uni. Discipline and composure cost the Two Blues in several tight games early this year, but that appears to have turned around in recent weeks. With Paul Hardwick and former Wallabies defence coach John Muggleton at the helm, things look to be on the up at Parramatta.

Gordon (11th, 8pts): C-

Gordon have had a horror run with injuries of late and had as many as 22 first graders on the sideline for last week’s match. The Highlanders front row stocks have been depleted making life fairly tough for Geoff Townsend at Chatswood. Gordon showed plenty of fight in a narrow loss to Southern Districts but still have just one win to their name so far this year.

Penrith (12th, 1pt): D+

Under new coach Jeremy Paul, Penrith have shown signs of improvement in 2016 but the Emus still have a long way to go. Paul has used 35 players in first grade so far this year including 22 debutants but is confident his side and the club are on the right track.