We’ve passed the halfway point of the 2021 Shute Shield regular season and while there is still plenty of rugby to be played, it’s almost time to point one eye towards the playoffs.

Over recent weeks, we caught up with each Shute Shield coach and asked them who they thought would play in this year’s grand final.

Here’s what they had to say.

Don’t forget, you can watch highlights from all 2021 Shute Shield matches on demand on Stan Sport.

Eastwood – Ben Batger

“It’s really hard to say because it looks like the competition will really change with lots of Super Rugby players set to return.

“You look at a team like Randwick and their whole backline will be Super Rugby players so they will be dangerous, likewise Easts who will get quite a few back and are already well settled in top six.

But it’s hard to go past Sydney Uni, they are the most consistent team, very well coached and a great squad. So Uni v Eastwood decider.”

Eastern Suburbs – Pauli Taumoepeau

“We want to be one of those teams and we’re working hard for that opportunity. You’d have to look at Uni who’ve had the perfect start to the season. But it’s too close to call. There’s more than six teams going for playoffs at the moment.”

West Harbour – Mark Gudmunson

“The two teams that will play in the grand final are West Harbour and Sydney University.”

Warringah – Mike Ruthven

“Our goal at the start of the year was to get back to finals footy. If we can get to play-offs we give ourselves a chance to be there on GF day.

“Sydney Uni are the current benchmark so you would suggest they will be there or there abouts. I wouldn’t be disappointed to play Randwick in a GF. They will have a good roster at the back end and always play a good brand of footy.”

Northern Suburbs – Zak Beer

“Easts, Uni and Eastwood have all been impressive in their own ways and I don’t think Sydney University have had a blemish so far this year though.

“But for me a Northern Suburbs v Sydney University Grand Final.”

Randwick – Ben McCormack

“I said at the start of the year it would be a Uni v Randwick GF. We’ve definitely got our work cut out for us, but we’re up for the challenge.”

Manly – Matt McGoldrick

“Uni and Manly.”

Hunter Wildfires – Scott Coleman

“Looking into my crystal ball, I can see the Hunter Wildfires taking on Eastern Suburbs – now that would be a hell of a game!”

Southern Districts – Todd Louden

“Based on the first half of the season, you’d have to say that Norths and Uni are the teams to beat but in saying that, the way that the finals are structured, it really could be anyone in that top six.

“I think we’ll see a lot of movement over the second half of the season and I think it’s going to be really tight in the top six.”

Gordon – Billy Melrose

“There are a number of good squads and at this point no one really knows how many additions from pro level will come back into the opposition teams. How that balances out and availability of best players will determine a lot.”

Western Sydney – Joel Rivers

“I think Easts and Sydney Uni will be in the grand-final this year. Both teams are playing really good rugby.”

Penrith – John Muggleton 

“I can see Sydney Uni and last year’s premiers Gordon battling it out on the big day in September.”