Shore host Joeys in a bumper top of the table GPS first XV clash at Northbridge on Saturday with the winner guaranteed at least a share of this year’s title. 

Both sides have a 5-3 record and sit equal on 10 competition points with two matches remaining, but couldn’t have had more polar opposite seasons. 

Joeys were dominant through the first part of the competition, winning five of six matches, but have lost to Scots and Kings in recent weeks to come right back to the chasing pack. 

Shore on the other hand, lost three games by five points or less in the opening month of the season but have won their last four matches to push into premiership contention. 

Shore shared the GPS premiership in 2006, 1998 and 1985 but haven’t won an outright GPS first XV title since 1909. 

With plenty on the line, here are a few key matchups to watch on Saturday afternoon at Northbridge. 

Locks: Ed Baxter v Arthur Greer

Two hard working, no-nonsense locks that do a mountain of work for their respective sides each week, Shore’s Ed Baxter and Joeys’ Arthur Greer are two largely unsung heroes. 

Baxter, the son of former Wallaby prop Al, played in the Australian U16s side last year and is an underage player. Greer, from Moree, is Joeys’ skipper and has been one of, if not the best lock in the competition this season. 

Flankers: Marshall Le Maitre v Henry Seigmeier

Unfortunately we don’t get to see a matchup between gun flankers Marshall Le Maitre and Johannes Logan, after Logan was suspended for an unfortunate tackle that went wrong last week. 

That opens the door for Henry Seigmeier to start for Joeys on the back of a standout season for the Cerise & Blue in the second XV. Despite that, Seigmeier will have his work cut out for him to limit the impact of Le Maitre, who is arguably the most dangerous player in the competition. 

No.8s: Bede Clout v Justice Taumoepeau

If Marshall Le Maitre is the most dangerous player in the competition, 16-year old Joeys No.8 Justice Taumoepeau is probably a close second. 

Taumoepeau is a big body and plays with composure beyond his age. Joeys have made a habit of parking themselves deep in their opposition’s red zone, and Taumoepeau has barged over from close range time and time again this year. 

Clout will need to keep a close eye on the big Joeys No.8, particularly near the try line. 

Flyhalfs: Rex Bassingthwaighte v Jonte Fowler

Two of the best playmakers in the competition but two completely different players. Bassingthwaighte, still in year 11, is lightning quick, has fantastic footwork and knows exactly when to run the ball. 

Fowler is more of a game controlling No.10 and has a brilliant boot. He also controls the tempo of Joeys’ attack and knows when to get the ball to the electric outside backs outside him.

Centres: Henry Connick v Matt Gough

Connick and Gough are a little like the locks we spoke about earlier. You know exactly what you’re going to get with both players each week. 

Both No.12s are strong ball carriers and get their side over the advantage line. They also rarely make mistakes in defence. 

The first phase battle between these two on Saturday could easily impact the result. 

Fullbacks: Jai Callaghan v Max Palmisani

At the back, both Jai Callaghan and Max Palmisani have been outstanding for their respective sides. 

Callaghan, a year 11 student from the Central Coast, has been one of the breakout stars of this year’s GPS competition and earned selection in the Australian Schools side last month. He like Bassingthwaighte has electric speed and great footwork. 

Palmisani is more a Max Jorgensen type fullback, who does all the little things extremely well and rarely makes mistakes. He also kicks goals, which could be important if Saturday’s clash is as tight as expected.