Norths have pushed their way into the Intrust Shute Shield top six after a hard fought 23-19 victory over Gordon in atrocious conditions last weekend.

The Shoreman return to North Sydney Oval on Saturday, where they’ve leaked an average of just eight points a match so far this year and can give their finals hopes a huge boost with a win against the Rats.

“The club is looking strong at the moment. 1st grade to 3rd colts are a tight group and everyone is playing for the guy standing next to them, so it’s great to be apart of,” coach Simon Cron said.

Waratahs prop Angus Ta’avoa has been named in the starting side, alongside Reds lock and former skipper Ben Matwijow, who will play in the red and black for the next month before heading back across the ditch for another crack at the ITM Cup.

“Angus and Maj trained really well this week and fit in perfectly with the culture of our team so I’m looking forward to seeing them play,” Cron added.

Warringah claimed a bonus point win over Penrith last weekend and sit fifth on the ladder for the moment, with a handful of teams still to play their round 12 matches.

The Rats have picked up former Tongan international and No.8 Paula Kahoin recent weeks, adding further bite to a Warringah pack that welcomed back Sam Ward from Italy last weekend.

“The starting team is now more settled in terms of selections and with that comes understanding, confidence and more consistency in performance,” Warringah coach Greg Marr told Rugby News.

“We still have a fair way to go before I’ll be prepared to say that we’re at our best though,” he added.

Marr said he has been happy with the rugby his side has been playing in recent weeks but knows Warringah will need to be near their best to beat a Norths side playing full of confidence.

“They’re a very consistent, dangerous side with big strong forwards, exciting backs and a very good coach.

“They beat us last time in a close one, so revenge on their home ground would be very sweet.”

Ladbrokes: Northern Suburbs – $1.80; Warringah – $1.95

Northern Suburbs (1-15)

Ezra Luxton, Sam Kitchen, Angus Ta’avao, Nick Palmer, Ben Matwijow, Michael Smith, Will Miller, Hugh Sinclair, Harry Emery, Angus Sinclair, Lochie Creagh, Irae Simone, Jordan Heyer, Richard Woolf, Kepu Lokotui.

Warringah (1-15)

Rory O’Connor, Luke Holmes, Manessah Alaga, Jack Tompkins, Ben Adams, Sam Ward, Sam Crompton, Paula Kaho, Josh Holmes, Hamish Angus, Tyson Davis, Rod Iona, Seb Wileman, Brad Dixon, Harry Jones.