By MARK CASHMAN

Who will will the Shute Shield premiership decider between Gordon and Eastwood at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday?

We put that question to the coaches that aren’t in the big dance and here’s what they have to say.

PAULI TAUMOEPEAU (Eastern Suburbs):

Gordon but it will be tight. They are well balanced. I don’t think there’s conditions that Gordon couldn’t play competitively in. 

Rod Iona will be crucial either way. He’s their quarterback. Which ever way he pulls the strings there’s players there to do that particular job.

ZAK BEER (Northern Suburbs):

Tough to pick and could go either way. The conditions will play a big part – wet and heavy track will suit Eastwood’s style of play. 

The slower the game is played and more focus on the set-piece the more it will play into Eastwood’s hands. 

But I think that if the rain holds off and Gordon are able to get their game on and into the systems that have worked for them most of this year – you would expect them to get the job done.

MICHAEL HODGE (Sydney Uni):

Form and personnel tells me Gordon should be comfortable favourites, but 2020 has been a strange year. 

I don’t think the weather necessarily suits either team, but it should at least bring them closer together. Whilst Eastwood have won plenty of Shute Shield grand finals over the years, not many of there 1-23 have. 

I’m expecting Eastwood to come out fast and lead early, but Gordon to come home well and win the title.

BEN MCCORMACK (Randwick):

It’s a real role of the dice – I think it completely depends on the set piece battle. 

Eastwood have more than enough points in them to win but they need to rattle Gordon’s set piece and not them get the to those structured launch plays their so good at. 

If Gordon get their way at scrum and lineout they will dictate terms like they’ve done for most of the year and will be to good.

TODD LOUDEN (Southern Districts):

Eastwood – their forwards will edge Gordon and they also number of players that have played finals before – and that is crucial in these games.

MIKE RUTHVEN (Warringah):

Form suggests Gordon but I wouldn’t write Eastwood off. Tane Edmed has had an outstanding year and controls a game well. 

The Woodies have genuine game breakers on their edges and a robust forward pack. 

I think Harrison Goddard is the key for Gordon. He was outstanding against Easts. 

His ability to put the footy on a dime when box kicking will limit the ability of Eastwood’s back three to find time and space on kick receipt. 

The head says Gordon but everyone loves an upset.

MATT McGOLDRICK (Manly): 

Gordon. They have been the best team all year and they have the best all around game no matter what the weather.

MARK GUDMUNSON (West Harbour): 

I think Gordon will win. Eastwood have been great, but I just did not see enough in them last week’s game in a few areas that I think Gordon could dominate. 

Gordon have too much strike in their whole 23, whereas Eastwood will be relying on the starting 15 to play most of the minutes.

SCOTT COLEMAN (Hunter Wildfires):

If it’s a dry track Gordon.

JOEL RIVERS (Two Blues): 

Eastwood. Big ask for the team but they are more likely to grind out a win should it come down to that situation.

JOHN MUGGLETON (Penrith): 

Gordon. They have a more rounded game and ability to control a contest.

If they get their set piece right, particularly the line out (which was where Eastwood won it last week), they have the players to control field position and the game.

IMAGE: ANDREW QUINN / GORDON RUGBY