By MARK CASHMAN

Northern Suburbs coach Zak Beer is a big believer in momentum and says that resting players on the eve of the Shute Shield finals series was the last thing that he was thinking about this week.

The Shoremen host a dangerous Eastern Suburbs outfit at North Sydney Oval on Saturday in what should be an intriguing encounter with a win sealing the minor premiership for the home side.

Norths sit three points clear of Sydney Uni, who take on the Manly Marlins at the Village Green, at the top end of the table and Beer says it would be business as usual.

“I’m a big believer in momentum whether it be in games or at particular parts of the season,” Beer told Rugby News.

“To be honest we haven’t looked beyond this game as it will be an important part of maintaining momentum heading into the playoffs.

“Our cohesion has been a big factor in our performance this season and you can see from the way that we have selected our side from week to week that we have been able to keep a core of our side together right throughout.

“Resting players or freshening anyone up (before the finals) was the last thing on our mind this week.”

If Norths get the job done they will be only the fourth side in 123 years to capture the ES Marks Shield for the minor premiership, the others being the teams from 2001, 1960 and way back in 1923.

There is also a lot of competitive tension in the make up of the final eight teams that will head into the playoffs.

Manly, Warringah, Randwick, Eastwood, Gordon and the Beasties could all well finish the day in the top four – a major advantage heading into finals.

Away from North Sydney Oval Gordon take on the Hunter Wildfires, the Wicks play Souths, Wests take on the Rats and the Two Blues play Eastwood.

The Norths v Easts game will also be a milestone game for Norths skipper Harry Burey who will run on for his 100th first grade game.

Burey marked his 100th grade game in the wet and the mud at Forhsaw Rugby Park a couple of weeks back and Beer said he had developed his own unique style of leadership.

“When I first spoke to Harry about being our captain he went away and read up on various leadership styles and he has brought his own style to the role,” Beer added.

“He’s impressed me with the way that he has gone about doing the job.”

Norths will field pretty close to their full strength side with the only player missing being Charlie Jeavons-Fellows who copped a knock to his wrist in the 55-22 win over the Two Blues last weekend.

They are blessed though with depth in that area and Gary Bautz will start in the No.7 jersey in what must be career best form.

The Beasties though will be a sizeable hurdle with a gaggle of Waratahs in their side including Will Harris and Archer Holz.

As Beer added: “We’d love to join those side great Norths side but the end goal if five weeks down the track.”