After 12 rounds, the pointy end of the 2022 Shute Shield season is fast approaching and this year’s race towards the playoffs looks like it’ll be tighter than we’ve ever seen before.

Just five competition points separates first from fourth and nine competition points split fifth and tenth.

There is a lot to play for in the final six rounds.

This year, an eight team finals series will be held with the top four facing off in week one. The winner’s of the 1v4 and 2v3 fixtures will earn a week off and move directly to the preliminary finals.

Here is how each Shute Shield teams road to the finals looks.

1st) Manly - 45 points: Souths (H), West Harbour (A), Hunter (H), Warringah (H), Gordon (A), Sydney Uni (H)

Manly could potentially wrap up their spot in the top four in the coming weeks if they can beat Souths and West Harbour. Things get tougher after that though, with the derby against Warringah followed by clashes against Gordon and Sydney Uni.

In saying that, the Marlins play four of their final six matches at Manly Oval, where they remain undefeated this season.