By MARK CASHMAN

The teams that will play in the Shute Shield playoffs in 2020 have been decided but there are still a number of pieces of the jigsaw that need to fall into place in Saturday’s final round of the minor premiership.

Only minor premiers Gordon are secure in the knowledge that they will finish on top of the competition with a number of clubs in danger of dropping three, maybe four places in the final six.

For example Northern Suburbs could slip from their current second place fifth while Eastern Suburbs could jump from fourth to second with a bonus point victory over Randwick at Woollahra.

Here are some of the scenarios that could unfold on Saturday.

1. GORDON

Currently First on 50 points from 10 wins, one loss and 10 bonus points.

Points difference: +356

LAST ROUND: v Eastwood at TG Millner Field

The Highlanders secured the minor premiership last weekend with that huge win over Penrith at Nepean Rugby but there is still work to be done. Gordon can secure the club championship with a good showing throughout their grades against Eastwood on Saturday and then there is the not so small matter of fine tuning things for the first week of the finals.

BEST FINISH: First

WORST FINISH: First

2. NORTHERN SUBURBS

Currently second on 44 points from nine wins, two losses and eight bonus points.

Points difference: +174

LAST ROUND: v Warringah at Pittwater Rugby Park

Norths have lots to play for on Saturday when they head to Rat Park to take on Warringah. If they win they can secure second spot on the ladder and if they stumble they could drop to as low as fifth. At the moment they have two points on Eastwood, three on Easts and four on Randwick so the job is far from done.

BEST FINISH: Second

WORST FINISH: Fifth

3. EASTWOOD

Currently Third on 42 points from eight wins, three losses and 10 bonus points.

Points difference: +164

LAST ROUND: v Gordon at TG Millner Field

Lots to play for Eastwood this weekend and they could certainly make a statement with a win over minor premiers Gordon. But if they have a slip up against the Highlanders and Easts, Randwick or Sydney Uni rattle home there could be on a bit of competition ladder slippery dip. Their healthy points difference could help them if the finals positions go to the actuaries.

BEST FINISH: Second

WORST FINISH: Sixth

4. EASTERN SUBURBS

Currently Fourth on 41 points from eight wins, three losses and nine bonus points.

Points difference: +145

LAST ROUND: v Randwick at Woollahra Oval

The Beasties have really rattled home over the past six weeks or so knocking over a number of teams above them on the ladder. They only made their way into the top six a fortnight ago but with a good mix of talent coming back into their playing group they can contend post season. A bonus point win could see them finish in second spot while a no-point loss will see them drop to sixth.

BEST FINISH: Second

WORST FINISH: Sixth

5. RANDWICK

Currently Fifth on 40 points from eight wins, three losses and eight bonus points.

Points difference: +176

LAST ROUND: v Eastern Suburbs at Woollahra Oval

Gotta love a local derby and this one against Easts at Woollahra is going to be a doozy. If the Galloping Greens win with a bonus point they can climb as high as second on the ladder. If they lose they can be taken over by Sydney Uni who be at Lidcombe Oval playing the Two Blues and doing the numbers at 4.45pm.

BEST FINISH: Second

WORST FINISH: Sixth

6. SYDNEY UNI

Currently Sixth on 38 points from seven wins, four losses and 10 bonus points.

Points difference: +113

LAST ROUND: v Two Blues at Lidcombe Oval

Sydney Uni made a major statement at the weekend when they squeezed the life out of Northern Suburbs. Their scrum is major weapon and as we know you need a working set piece in the finals. A bonus point win will see them climb to 43 points and as high as third on the ladder.

BEST FINISH: Third

WORST FINISH: Sixth

IMAGE: AJF PHOTOGRAPHY