The Charter Hall Shute Shield season kicks off this Saturday with a blockbuster clash from Manly Oval, as the Marlins host defending champions Gordon.
Gordon were deserving title winners last season, with a 24-13 loss to Norths in Round Ten the only blemish in an otherwise perfect year.
However, the Stags return in 2021 without the likes of Harrison Goddard and Jack Dempsey who have since signed overseas contracts. Gordan’s Round One team features six of last years grand final winning team, with the likes of Reece MacDonald and Lucas Price set to feature more heavily due to the star-studded departures.
It’ll be a tough test for Manly, who are hoping for a vast improvement in 2021 after managing only four victories and a ninth-place finish last season. In the corresponding game in 2020, Gordon were far too strong for their eastern suburbs counterparts with a 26-3 win in Round Five.
The Marlins will be hoping recruit Justin Tavae, who had a breakout season for West Harbour last season, will add some attacking flair to a backline who struggled offensively in 2020.
With the Stags looking to begin their title defense with a win at a hostile Manly Oval, expect fireworks to fly in Round One of the Charter Hall Shute Shield.
Teams
Manly
1. Sio Tatola
2. James Hilterbrand
3. Conor Davidson
4. Byron Leach
5. Manaia Koko
6. Hunter Ward
7. Tevin Ferris
8. George Noa
9. Harry Emery
10. Ollie Horne
11. Komiti Tuilagi
12. Harley Attwater
13. Dennis Pili-Gaitau
14. Justin Tavae
15. Te Raina Richards-Coxhead
Gordon
1. Brandon Faave-Eli
2. Will Bremner
3. Mokani Fuavao
4. Jack Margin
5. Ola Tauelangi
6. James Lough
7. Tom Silk
8. Jordan Goddard
9. Jacob Abel
10. Reece MacDonald
11. Alesana Pohla
12. Ellis Abrahams
13. Lucas Price
14. Mike Pavlakis
15. Ben Pollack
Manly Oval – Saturday 3pm
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