Warringah and Randwick both began playing finals like footy a week early this year, with tough clashes against Norths and Souths respectively in round 18.

Warringah outlasted Norths 18-11 to secure home ground advantage, while Randwick fell just short against Souths in a bruising contest at Coogee Oval.

The Galloping Greens dropped from second to fourth on the back of the final round defeat, and lost centre Dave Horwitz and No.8 Sam Croke to injury for what could be a must win clash for both sides on Saturday.

But it’s not all bad news for Randwick fans. Coach Shannon Fraser has added former Wallabies Steve Hoiles and Adam Freier to his starting side, while outside backs Andrew Kellaway and Henry Hutchison will both improve after returning last weekend.

Warringah flyhalf Hamish Angus will miss another match, handing 34-year old former London Irish playmaker Myles Dorrian a second straight opportunity in the No.10 jersey, while 37-year old club veteran Cam Treloar will also start at lock.

The Rats beat Randwick 30-29 when the two sides met back in round 13 and while both sides will be boosted by the added experience to their starting line ups, fresh legs may be crucial in the closing stages, on the back of a tough weekend in round 18.

In a massive day for the Rats, all four Warringah grade sides will play a semi final at home, starting with fourth grade from 10:15am.

Warringah (3) v Randwick (4)

Warringah (1-15)

Rory O’Connor, Rob Kelly, Sam Needs, Jack Tomkins, Cam Treloar, Maclean Jones, Tom Connor, Sam Ward, Josh Holmes, Myles Dorrian, Harry Jones, Josh Gillard, Seb Wileman, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Dave Feltscheer.

Randwick (1-15)

Tristain Goodbody, Adam Freier, Cameron Betham, Esei Ha’aingaa, Ed Kennedy, Nick Kellaway, Jack Johnson, Stephen Hoiles, Mitch Short, Andrew Deegan, Andrew Kellaway, Ben Starkey, Henry Hutchinson, Latu Latinipalu, Lachlan Anderson.