We’re halfway through the 2025 Shute Shield regular season and while the players and coaches enjoy a well deserved weekend off, we checked in with each club to learn a little more about their campaigns so far and what they are expecting in the back half of the season. 

Gordon with Harry Fehily – 5th: 30pts (5 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw)

How would you grade your first half of the season?

“It’s been a frustrating and disjointed start to the season but I think we are moving in the right direction,” Fehily said.

Where do you need to improve?

“Our line out, kick execution and game control all need to improve in the second half of the season.”

Which of your players has impressed you most so far this year?

“Jack Hardy only arrived two week ago but has hit the ground running. Archie Hosking has also found his feet in first grade.” 

Who is the team to beat?

“Easts,” the coach said.

“They’ve got a lot of players to come back. They’ve got a good maul, good kickers at No.10 and No.15 and they’ll have plenty of weight at the front towards the pointy end of the season.”

Southern Districts with Scott Fava – 12th: 6 pts (1 win, 8 losses)

How would you grade your first half of the season? 

“We’ve been really disappointed in our first half of the season,” first-year Rebels coach Fava said. 

We’ve challenged most teams in the first half of the comp, but have not backed ourselves to complete the task as individuals and as a team.”

Where do you need to improve? 

“We need to attack and defend with control and pressure.”

Which of your players has impressed you most so far this year?

“Jack Cesare, Jonty Ravenhill and Mason Duke are all still colts eligible and have led the way for us in certain skill areas of the game.”

West Harbour with Phil Blake – 11th: 10pts (1 win, 8 losses)

How would you grade your first half of the season? 

“We got off to a slow start, but we are a new team who had never played together before round one. The more we play together, the better we will become,” veteran Shute Shield coach Phil Blake said.

Where do you need to improve? 

“We just need to keep working hard and executing when it matters. If we focus on that, our time will come.”

Which of your players has impressed you most so far this year?

“Everyone has impressed in some way throughout the first half of the season but Onehunga Havili and our skipper Rob Irimescu have consistently been our best performers.”

Who is the team to beat?

“The team that gets their defence right will win the competition.”