INTRUST SUPER SHUTE SHIELD: GRAND FINAL PREVIEW
The 2015 Intrust Super Shute Shield has reached the deciding round, with Manly taking on Eastwood at Concord Oval this Saturday, broadcast live on Channel 7 from 3pm.
Manly has had an outstanding season in 2015, which included a blowout win over Eastwood to clinch the minor premiership, while Eastwood spent most of the season just a step behind the Marlins.
But history is against the Marlins this week, who have not won the Shield since 1997. Meanwhile Eastwood have had success in 2011 and 2014, with a loss to Sydney University in their 2013 appearance.
A cameo from Wallaby Wycliff Palu helped the Marlins dominate Sydney University last weekend, with a 42-22 victory securing a finals berth for Manly and giving them a chance to win their first Shute Shield title since 1997.
Manly’s head coach Damien Cummins has identified key areas for their match-up, but said he won’t be using past experiences to guide his strategy.
“I think the key areas are the set piece and the battle at the breakdown,” Cummins said.
“Saturday is the Grand Final with the previous two rounds having no bearing on the outcome – both teams were well below par when they lost.”
Eastwood are heading to their fourth finals appearance in the last five seasons after a comeback victory over Souths last weekend saw them score 32 unanswered points on their way to victory. It was a re-match of last year’s Shute Shield Grand Final, and again Eastwood prevailed in a high pressure situation.
Head coach John Manenti said he was pleased at the courageous comeback from his side in the Semi-Final, and will be heading into the Grand Final with a relaxed attitude.
“It was nice to dig in and show some character. It was also about getting a few things right, which we battle with through the first quarter,” Manenti said.
“Emotionally [this week] I’ll just let the players set the mood, some guys like a hype-up others a laugh to relax – whatever gets the job done. You work hard to be alive in the last week of the season, motivation is not an issue.”
Grand Final – Saturday 15 August
Eastwood v Manly
Concord Oval – 3.00pm (Live on Channel 7)
Referee: Will Houston
ARs: James Leckie, Ian Smith
MATCH DAY INFORMATION SATURDAY 15 AUGUST
Concord Oval, Loftus St Concord
Gates Open: 8am
JR Henderson Cup Grand Final: 9:05am
Manly v Eastern Suburbs
JR Henderson Shield Grand Final: 10:50am
Eastwood v Eastern Suburbs
Colin Caird Shield Grand Final: 12:50pm
Randwick v Sydney University
Intrust Super Shute Shield Grand Final: 3:00pm
Manly v Eastwood
Pre Sale
Gate
Adult
$20
$25
Concession*
$15
$20
Child (U17)
Free
Free
Parking
–
$5
*Concession: Full time students and Pensioners (aged, TPI, War Service Widows)
Colts Grand Final Day Sunday 16 August
Forshaw Rugby Park, Belgrave Esplanade, Sylvania Waters
Bill Simpson Shield: 11:15am
Randwick v Sydney University
Shell Trophy: 1:00pm
Sydney University v Randwick
W McMahon Memorial Shield: 3:00pm
Randwick v Sydney University
Tickets at the gate
Adults
Premiership Season Pass
Pensioners & Children Under 17 yrs
Parking
$10
$5
FREE
$5
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