With two rounds remaining, both Warringah and Easts have secured their spot in the Shute Shield playoffs but both sides still have plenty to play for.

The defending premiers are fourth following last week’s come from behind victory over Eastwood and can move into the top three and secure home ground advantage in the finals if they can beat West Harbour and Souths in the weeks ahead.

“We’ve won 15 in a row at home now, so yes home ground advantage is exactly that and we’d love to play our finals matches at Rat Park,” Warringah coach Darren Coleman said.

“In saying that though, we beat Norths at North Sydney Oval to win the comp last year, so we’re comfortable travelling if it comes to that.”

Warringah battled back from 13-0 down against Eastwood at home last week and scored a converted try in the 77th minute to steal victory and fourth spot from the Woodies.

“I was impressed with our physicality against a big Eastwood side,” Coleman said.

“We stayed in the fight when the game wasn’t going with us and then controlled the ball and scored points when the momentum swung in our favour.”

Warringah take on a West Harbour side on Saturday who had their finals hopes dashed by Norths last weekend and who will be without star flanker Kelly Meafua, who has left to play in France.

Despite that, Coleman is still wary.

“Wests as always will control the ball well with lots of power running. It’ll be interesting to see if they move the ball a little more now that the pressure is off them,” Coleman said.

“We’ve still got things to work on from week to week, but for the most part I’m comfortable with where we are at.

“It was always about getting to the playoffs healthy and with enough form to take confidence into the finals and I think we’re close to that.”

Coleman’s former club Eastern Suburbs booked their spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2013 with a win over local rivals Randwick in front of a packed house at Woollahra Oval.

“It ticked a few boxes for us. We’re happy we were able to provide our supporters with a win over Randwick at home. Then obviously locking us into playoffs was a nice kicker,” Easts coach Pauli Taumoepeau said.

“I thought our energy in defence was great and that lifted all the other parts of our game. We’ve been a bit flat in that area over the last month, so that was pleasing.”

Easts welcome back Waratahs lock Tom Staniforth for tomorrow’s clash against Norths however the Shoreman are also expected to add some star power to their side.

Heading into a bye in round 18, the Beasties must win on Saturday to avoid facing Sydney Uni in a a must win clash at University Oval in the opening week of the playoffs.

“Tom has been fantastic for us every time he’s turned out. He’s a big presence on the field and that’ll be something we need coming up against a strong Norths pack.

“We’re in no position to ease off. We’re currently the lowest ranked playoff team and with the week off next week, we need a good performance tomorrow against another top six side to give us a bit of momentum heading into the finals.”

Photo: Karen Watson