By MARK CASHMAN

The Battle of the North between Gordon and Northern Suburbs at Chatswood Oval highlights an enthralling round of action in the Shute Shield on Saturday.

This game is a genuine top of the table clash with the Highlanders some points clear at the top end of the ladder and Norths sitting nicely in second place.

It would normally have been the 7TWO TV match of the round but problems with Chatswood Oval and their grandstand have meant that the cameras will be at the Sydney Uni v Randwick match.

The other games in Round 10 action are Manly v Eastern Suburbs at Manly Oval, Eastwood v Penrith at TG Millner and Southern Districts v Hunter Wildfires at Forhsaw.

The Warringah v Two Blues game that will played for the ‘Noddy’ Sawtell Cup will finish off the round.

Here’s how the games are shaping:

SYDNEY UNI V RANDWICK at Uni No.2 Oval

Randwick have made two big selection calls as they prepare for their clash against Sydney Uni in the 7TWO TV match of the round on Saturday.

The Galloping Greens have brought in Melbourne Rebels prop Cabous Eloff and the big Aussie sevens star Jeral Skelton into their starting side for the game against the Students.

Eloff won’t be with the Wicks for long, but he will be a welcome addition as they try to stablise a number of areas of their game, first up being their scrum.

The big South African has been on the Randwick radar for a while and they will get a number of games out of him before he heads back to South Africa to spend time with family before the start of the Rebels’ pre-season for 2021.

Skelton has been another victim of the Super Rugby bubble and has played no footy since the start of the year and is itching to wake up sore on a Sunday morning.

Randwick have now lost three on the trot and need to get the express train back on the tracks before the finals come around in the middle of October.

I can’t see the Wicks missing out on the top six but they need to approach the end of season game with some sort of confidence and that has take a bit of a battering in the past month.

Locky Miller is another big in for the Wicks at fullback which means that Maurice Longbottom will move to the wing, a position where he may well get more broken field running opportunities.

Randwick didn’t work off much ball last Saturday against Norths and when they did have it there were a lot of red and black bodies in their way.

That meant that Ben Donaldson and Maurice Longbottom had uncomfortable afternoons and the only tries against Norths weren’t constructed in any way by the Wicks.

“Benny Donaldson will be much better for the run last week, an extra week with the team and getting comfortable with our plays and personnel so I expect to see him do a job this week,” McCormack said. 

“Uni will be tough – there’s a heap of Super Rugby influence back for them particularly in the pack. It will be a good battle.”

Sydney Uni coach Michael Hodge said Randwick threatened right across the park.

“We will need to be disciplined, both with and without the ball,” he said.

“We’ve worked hard on a few specific areas this week so it should be a very entertaining afternoon.

“All the guys who have returned this week are former colts, and have all played plenty of footy for SUFC and they know what the expectations are. 

“It’s also nice to have Matt Sandell, Nick Champion de Crespigny and Stu Dunbar returning from injury.”

Uni are more than capable of winning this one and they could do worse than run off the game plan used by Norths.

That being keep the ball off them and stay connected in defence. It will be an interesting battle.

SYDNEY UNI (1-15):

Matt Sandell, Declan Moore, Chris Talaki, Luke Porter, Oliver Atkins, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Josh Kemeny, Rohan O’Regan, Banjo Travers, Stu Dunbar, Angus Bell, Ben Hughes, Will McDonnell, Henry Clunies-Ross, Tim Clements.

RANDWICK (1-15):

Jake Turnbull, Dave Vea, Cabous Eloff, Nathan Den Hoedt, Tom Nowlan, Tom Piroddi, Christian Poidevin, Jeral Skleton, Mitch Short, Ben Donaldson, Brooklyn Hardaker, Dave Horwitz, Triston Reilly, Maurice Longbottom, Locky Miller.

GORDON V NORTHERN SUBURBS at Chatswood Oval

Northern Suburbs coach Earl Va’a got a history lesson on Tuesday night before training and can’t wait for kick off against Gordon on Saturday.

It was delivered by his skipper and centre Harry Burey and the presentation to the first grade group spoke of the great rivalry with the Highlanders and all the shenanigans that go hand in hand with a great derby match.

Life member Richard Maude provided many of the facts and ammunition for the dressing room chat but Va’a and many of the first graders came away with a better understanding of why this game means so much to both sides.

“It was good to get an understanding of the history of this game and why it means so much to the boys,” Va’a said.

“That said we still have to focus on our roles and what we need to, then go out there, put the emotion to one side, and execute.”

Va’a, the former Manu Samoa flyhalf at two Rugby World Cups, has embraced and added to the culture at Norths this year and felt that this was an important chat to have.

Circumstances with Chatswood Oval and the demolition of part of the grandstand on the railway tracks side of the ground have meant that this game could not be telecast by 7TWO.

It’s first v second and in simpler times they’d be going pretty close to closing the gates at Chatswood.

“Quite simply they are the undefeated and the form team in the competition,” Va’a added.

“They are playing with great confidence and we will have to be on our game keeping pace with them and then stopping them.”

Norths have been able to name the same XV that started the game against Randwick and went so well.

Gordon coach Darren Coleman lauded the Norths performance against Randwick and said he was keen for Saturday to come around.

“Yeah it will be a great game that’s for sure,” Coleman said.

“Norths were exceptional last week and in fact I thought their game against Randwick was one of the better team performances that I have seen this season.

“There was lots of ball movement, some good attacking shapes, good defence and Norths showed that they had some real dangers out there that we will have to contend with.”

The Highlanders have been negotiating their way through a bit of a prop crisis and will look to see if the Western Force prop Dom Hardman helps out on that front.

Their scrum is an important part of their game as they look to get their attack going and despite going uncontested for seven minutes against Southern Districts have been in pretty good shape.

That’s the platform from which halves Harrison Goddard and Rodney Iona have worked off this year and Coleman couldn’t be happier with what they have been able to do.

“Harrison and Rod have been exceptional all year,” Coleman said.

“Each week they are showing leadership and a wide range of tactical nous while at the same time when they need to run they do it well.”

Norths are similarly blessed with Nick Duffy and Angus Sinclair in good form. 

They are far from a carbon copy of the Highlanders duo but like Goddard and Iona have got in and got the job done.

Derby games always come up good banter and it was Coleman who threw the first barb out there this week at his good mate, Norths president Grahame O’Donnell.

Coleman actually got O’Donnell to come to Norths to coach when he was first grade coach at the Shoremen.

There’s dinner on Saturday night at stake on the result but Coleman says he’s been disappointed with the quality of the banter this week between the two clubs.

“I have reserved my banter for the presidential suite this week and every time I have spoken with ‘Hound’ (O’Donnell) he’s been going on about Norths being the underdog,” Coleman added.

“He’s throwing so many cliches out there I was close to vomiting at one stage.”

It all makes for an interesting afternoon.

GORDON (1-15): 

Brandon Faavae-Eli, Robbie Abel, Dom Hardman, Jack Margin, Peter Chanel-Tagaloa, Mahe Vailanu, Tom Silk/James Lough, Jordy Goddard (c), Harrison Goddard, Rod Iona, Ahmu Tuimalealifano, Joey Walton, Ellis Abrahams, Oli Smealie, Reece MacDonald.

NORTHERN SUBURBS (1-15): 

German Haeffeli, James Margan, Dewald Dekker, Dave Henaway, Declan Carroll, Brad Hemopo, Hugh Sinclair, George Murrin, Nick Duffy, Angus Sinclair, Reece Mau’u, Harry Burey, Nathan Russell, Cam Clark, Max Burey.

MANLY V EASTERN SUBURBS at Manly Oval

Eastern Suburbs are loving life on the edge and it will continue on Saturday when they head to the Village Green to take on Manly.

The Beasties forced their way into the top six for the first time this season after Round Nine and are increasingly being spoken of as a real contender with the return of a number of their Super Rugby stars to finish off the Shute Shield season.

As they become more familiar with the systems and the pace of club footy the likes of Alex Newsome, Tom Staniforth and Lalaki Foketi will add much to the Beasties cause.

Add Rob Leota from the Melbourne Rebels and it’s little wonder that a lot of good judges around the competition are saying keep a close eye on the boys from Woollahra.

Leota comes to Easts essentially through a family connection to a member of the club and will be a handy addition to the selection headache that will have to be worked through in coming rounds.

Easts coach Pauli Taumoepeau called on his first grade regulars to show the way last Saturday against Sydney Uni and it’s hard to argue that it won’t be same again against the Marlins.

“Manly always have been a very tough opposition and it will be the same again on Saturday,” Taumoepeau said.

“The game will be a great challenge for this group and we can’t wait. It’s playoffs rugby for us again this week.”

Manly coach Matt McGoldrick is aware of the challenge ahead of his group.

“The way that Easts have come together in recent weeks has been impressive. They are coming right at the right end of the season,” McGoldrick said.

“In my eyes they are the premiership favourites. Super Rugby players everywhere. Not many weaknesses and they have also got back into the winning habit after snatching a stack of games on the bounce.

“Their record at manly Oval is pretty good in recent times and that is a challenge that I have thrown to our playing group.

“The addition of Rob Leota will only add to their group but we’re ready to front up and give this one a real crack.

“How will we beat them? It’s simple really everyone just needs to do their job. We will be fine.”

Manly sit on 21 points and cannot afford to drop a game if they want to feature in the end of season games.

Easts on the other hand can climb as high as fourth with a bonus point victory. It makes for some great footy and I for one would be willing to pay the cost of admission just to see the scrum battle, classic stuff!

MANLY MARLINS (1-15):

Alefosio Tatola, James Hilterbrand, Conor Davidson, Max Douglas, Alex Dalzell, Van Stewart, Liam Ryan, Harry Bergelin, Adam Crear, Harley Attwater, Fraser Toohey, Dennis Pili-Gaitau, Michael Adams, Yool Yool, Jed Ibbotson.

EASTERN SUBURBS (1-15):

James King, Moli Sooaemalelagi, Archer Holz, Jeremy Williams, Tom Staniforth, Jack Digby, Charlie Gamble, Sam Shires, Jack Grant (c), Cohan Guerra, Alex Newsome, Lalakai Foketi, Henry Paterson, Richie Woolf, Dan Donato.

WARRINGAH V WESTERN SYDNEY TWO BLUES at Pittwater Rugby Park

Warringah coach Mike Ruthven is looking forward to seeing how Ben Marr adapts to life as a flyhalf when his side takes on the Western Sydney Two Blues on Saturday.

Marr has been among the best fullbacks in the Shute Shield over the first nine rounds and has been thrown the No.10 jersey in an effort to try and unlock the Rats backline.

The Rats backs have been clunky at times this year and there is a feeling that the attention that Marr will get from opposition defences will see opportunities abound elsewhere.

Marr is not unfamiliar with the role and often bobs up as a first receiver option at times but the full time role is a whole new range of responsibility.

“I’m excited to see Ben push up a bit closer to the footy,” Ruthven said. 

“He has been our most dangerous player all year and brings a different dynamic to our footy. 

“Ben will naturally attract defensive attention so there will be opportunities for us to attack around him.”

The fall guy in all this has been Tom Halse who will start his way back by playing reserve grade on Saturday.

I’m hearing that Halse thought long and hard about continuing his season at Rat Park but it’s good to see that he will be there on Saturday and having a crack.

It’s a great weekend for the Rats with the ‘Noddy’ Sawtell Cup against the Two Blues on offer and also the celebrations in and around the 200th first grade game of Josh Holmes and the 100th for Seb Wileman.

“All those things will add some extra motivation for us to go out and perform well,” Ruthven added.

Another change to the Warringah side is the presence of Boyd Killingworth in the back row from the start stepping up following an injury to Mungo Mason.

“Boyd gives us a genuine on ball presence so I expect some breakdown pressure and opportunity to attack off turnover ball which also suits Ben Marr,” Ruthven said.

“He also brings some real energy about his footy and after a long period without much game time will be itching to get out there.”

The Two Blues must have been disappointed letting an opportunity pass them by to put wins back to back last Saturday against the Hunter Wildfires.

They were well in the game for much of the first half but were blown away with the hard edge and enthusiasm of the Wildfires.

Tepai Moeroa was a major contributor in the middle of the field at inside centre and caused lots of havoc with his robust ball carrying and hard hitting defence.

He will bring that to Rat Park and will have to be watched closely.

WARRINGAH (1-15):

Sateki Latu, Wes Thomas, Wayne Borsak, Andrew Davies, Alex O’Dell, Rory Suttor, Boyd Killingworth, Sam Ward (c), Josh Holmes, Ben Marr, Charlie Tupu, Robbie Nelson, Seb Wileman (vc), Ezera Chee-Kam, Tyson Davis.

WESTERN SYDNEY TWO BLUES (1-15):

Jacob Delailoa, Nick Blacklock, Kalafi Pongi (c), Tuitakau Kioa, Tevita Vea, Sione Fifita, Riley Jacobson, Peni Tuitupou, Liam Tully, Rory Garrett, Niko Dalivusa, Tepai Moeroa, Zac Campton, Jordan Williams, Michael Zakhia.

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS V HUNTER WILDFIRES at Forshaw Rugby Park

Hunter Wildfires coach Scott Coleman knows that his team’s game against Southern Districts on Saturday will be won and lost at scrum time but he’s looking forward to seeing if one of his debutants make good on the promise he has shown in the local first grade competition.

The shoulder injury to Carl Manu has given Chase Hicks the chance to test his skills at Shute Shield level and Coleman is excited about what lies ahead for the centre.

Previously Coleman had been more concerned about nullifying his skills and physicality in his role as Hamilton coach and Hicks was playing for the Wanderers – one of those games was last year’s Hunter grand final won by the Hawks.

“I’ve always admired what he was able to do so, it’s been great to be able to work with him in this way,” Coleman said.

“He could be anything if he decides to put his mind to it and this selection is just reward for the work that he has done in the program.

 “Chase loves a challenge and loves to compete. He has great footwork and is really physical. It was between him and Angus Brown but Chase gives us a bit more of an edge. 

“His fitness is slowly improving. He has been in the program six or seven weeks. If I could get him to compete as hard at training as he does in games, he could be anything.”

There is real depth in the Southern Districts front row with Todd Louden able to carry Tetera Faulkner on the bench behind Andrew Tuala, Joe Cotton and the immovable Tim Metcher.

But the interesting selection from coach Todd Louden is the move of Christian Kagiassis to the No.10 jersey.

That has been brought about by an injury to Liam Moseley and he has adapted well to the role.

“Kagi’s a bit different to Laim but he’s actually looked pretty good at training,” Louden said.

“He has good acceleration and is strong through the hips so they will have to watch him closely when carries the ball to the line.

“This is far from an easy fixture in our minds and I suppose it’s a compliment to what they have achieved this year that no one under estimates them now.

The Wildfires have a plan in place to counter the Rebels scrum with Nick Dobson coming off the bench.

Geraint Weaver, who did so well against the Two Blues last Saturday, has held his spot at tighhead.

“G (Weaver) did really well against Western Sydney,” Coleman said. 

“We will start with him and bring Dobo fresh off the bench to make sure we are strong in the second half as well. 

“Southern Districts have the best front-row in the comp. With our pack, I think we have a good balance between physicality and workers.”

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS (1-15):

Andrew Tuala, Joe Cotton, Tim Metcher, Max Freeman, Jake Douglas, Phil Potgieter, James Finch, Sama Malolo, Sam Harris, Christian Kagiassis, Viliami Latu, Nathan Lawson, Brandon Finnegan.

HUNTER WILDFIRES (1-15): 

David Puchert, Phillip Bradford, Gerant Weaver, Jeremy Burrill, Sevanaia Rokobara, Alec Corcoran, Shawn Ingle, George Noa, Mahe Fangupo, Brendan Holliday, Hamish McKie, Taulogo Lalaga, Chase Hicks, Nimilote Qio, Chad Northcott.

EASTWOOD V PENRITH at TG Millner Field

Time in the saddle is important if you are decision maker in the Shute Shield and Eastwood coach Ben Batger reckons Tane Edmed is getting better and and better with every minute he’s on the field.

Edmed moved to the Woods from Randwick and their impressive colts groups of recent years and it is a move that is paying some dividends.

The Woods play Penrith on Saturday and the general play of Edmed will be important if they want to put on a performance for their home crowd and climb up the congested competition ladder.

The Woods are sitting in fourth spot and have a reasonable run home that includes a bye and games against Gordon and Warringah, all at the familiar surrounds of TG Millner.

“Tane is developing every week and I think he learns something new every game and adds it to his arsenal for the following week,” Batger said.

“He is also incredibly tough which I don’t think he gets credit for. 

“His defence is very strong and is willing to take ball to the line and risk getting hit which is an attribute that will take him places.”

They will be without Tom Murphy and Tim Anstee on Saturday with both these forwards getting shoulder knocks right for the tests against the Rats and the Highlanders.

But there is depth in the Woods back row ranks with Batger able to name Pat Sio, Sione Tau and Ratu Tuisese in his back row and welcomes back Charles Granger in the row.

“We need to keep building momentum and I want to see us play to our standards and execute the game plan,” Batger added.

“Penrith won’t lay down and if we don’t execute and play with intensity it will be a tough day.”

Penrith had one of those all over the place types of games against West Harbour last Saturday but seem to be coming together well.

Key to their hopes against the Woods will be the scrum holding up and their halves Terry Fanolua, and Dean Blore getting some decent front foot ball.

Their search for the first win of the year continues.

EASTWOOD (1-15):

Jed Gillespie, Ed Craig, Rhys Sheriff, Daniel Cosgrove, Charles Granger, Sione Tau, Ratu Tuisese, Pat Sio, Matt Gonzalez, Tane Edmed, Tim Simona, Enoka Muliufi, Devan Stoltz, Fabian Goodall, Chris Bell.

PENRITH (1-15):

David Tifa, Jona Saumaisue, Macia Latabua, Lucas Castle, Tofua Fifita, Andrew Fiagatusa, John Tuivaiti, Sosifa Funaki, Terry Fanolua, Dean Blore, Jeremiah Fa’amausili, Luke Nadurutalo, Api Bera, Riley Alcorn, Joseph Faoagali.

LAST TIME: not applicable.

WEST HARBOUR has the bye.

IMAGE: ANDREW QUINN / GORDON RUGBY