Warringah’s revenge season comes down to Saturday afternoon at Leichhardt Oval, where they face the Minor Premiers, and the very side that ended their campaign last year, Eastern Suburbs.
The Rats were heartbreakingly close in 2024. At North Sydney Oval, Waratahs flyer Darby Lancaster crossed in the 81st minute to send the Beasts into the Grand Final, leaving Warringah shattered on the turf.
Eastern Suburbs are chasing their first back-to-back premierships since 1946–47. The reigning premiers have been ruthless all season, dropping only two games, and their dominance extends well beyond First Grade. Fourth Grade, Third Grade, and First Colts have also booked spots in their respective deciders.
The club could celebrate a double dose of history this weekend, with both First Grade and First Colts in line for consecutive premierships. On Sunday, Easts’ Colts will meet Randwick in a blockbuster showdown at Coogee.
Easts have copped criticism for becoming the “new Waratahs HQ” after taking that mantle from Sydney Uni. But in reality, their Preliminary Final side against Eastwood featured just two Waratahs in the starting XV.
One of the biggest stories is Archie Gavin, who returns to the big stage after missing last season with a serious leg injury.
Gavin has stepped into a crucial flanker role, filling the gap left by Waratahs Charlie Gamble and Jamie Adamson, who have featured only sporadically for the Beasts this year.
Meanwhile, Chris Bell, who played fullback in last year’s decider, has been a standout in 2025. With Tahs No. 10 Jack Bowen sidelined, the Englishman has shouldered extra responsibility, combining with Cooper Whiteside and Teddy Wilson to form a dangerous attacking trio.
Many argue Warringah boast the most balanced squad in the Shute Shield. Leading from the front is Ken Catchpole Medalist Wes Thoams, calling lineouts and anchoring the scrum alongside a formidable front row.
The Barnabas brothers have been relentless in the back row, contesting every breakdown and hunting turnovers.
In the backs, the Rats are stacked with firepower: the competition’s top point-scorer Coby Miln and his deadly boot, Tahs EDS-contracted Jackson Ropata in the centres, and skipper Ben Marr directing traffic from fullback.
And that’s just scratching the surface of Warringah’s depth.
This core group knows adversity all too well. Last season, they nearly pulled off the upset of the year before bowing out in an elimination final against Easts.
Since then, the Beasts have had their number, winning both clashes in 2025 (32–31 and 45–34).
But the Rats won’t be fazed. The club is already riding high this season, having claimed titles elsewhere, and they’re now eyeing a rare double. Not since Sydney Uni in 2019 has a club lifted both the Shute Shield and the Sydney Premier Women’s competition in the same year.
For Warringah, Saturday is more than just a Grand Final. It’s a chance to exorcise last year’s heartbreak, break East’s hold over them, and rewrite their own history.
On Sunday, Randwick will be out to restore pride for the club in a massive Colts showcase at Coogee Oval. The Wicks feature in all three Colts grand finals, headlined by a blockbuster First Colts clash against archrivals Eastern Suburbs.
They’ll also face Sydney Uni in both the Seconds and Thirds.
With three games of high-quality rugby back-to-back, there’s no better place to be on a sunny Sunday than Coogee Oval. Grab your tickets now!
The Shute Shield decider kicks off slightly later than last year at 3:15 pm this year.
But with plenty of sun forecast for Saturday, it’s worth heading over to Leichhardt early to get your spot on the hill.
With plenty of room for the kids to run around, fans can watch four grand finals back-to-back from 9:15 am on Saturday.
East's face Manly in fourth grade & Sydney Uni in third grade, Manly in second grade, look to defend their title against Eastwood, all ahead of the big one at 3:15 pm.
