Shute Shield Round 3 Wrap: Gordon, Easts remain perfect, Randwick Run Riot, and Wildfires Edge Thriller

Edward Lane

Round 3 of the Shute Shield delivered a full slate of high-scoring contests, drama, and statements of intent from clubs looking to separate themselves from the chasing pack. Gordon and Eastern Suburbs both kept their unbeaten starts intact, while Warringah made headlines with a dismantling of Sydney Uni and Randwick finally clicked into gear, thanks in large part to a hat-trick from centre Hamish Comonte.

Wildfires edge thriller, Eastwood denied late

The Hunter Wildfires snuck home in one of the matches of the round, outlasting Eastwood 35–34 in a seesawing contest that had lead changes, sharp attacking play, and late nerves. Eastwood, who’d looked one of the competition’s sharpest attacking outfits through the opening two rounds (especially after putting 80 past Souths last week), came away with two bonus points, but were ultimately left ruing missed opportunities. Hunter, meanwhile, move to 2-1 and continue to build quiet momentum.

Gordon grind down Wests

Gordon sit alone atop the ladder after a 29–17 win over West Harbour at Chatswood Oval. The Stags weren’t flashy, but they were clinical: controlling territory and piling pressure through the forwards when it mattered. At 3-0 with three bonus points, they’re an early benchmark of consistency.

Comonte hat-trick lifts Randwick

After losing two high-scoring shootouts to open the season, piled on 64 points against the Two Blues in a confidence-restoring performance. Hamish Comonte was the star of the show with a hat-trick, while Randwick notched their first win of the season and kept themselves well in touch with the top half thanks to five bonus points across three rounds.

Souths down Manly in lively contest

The Rebels picked up their first win of the year in an entertaining 40–33 win over Manly. Both sides threw the ball around, but Souths found the telling plays when it mattered. It’s a timely confidence boost after two losses to start the year. For Manly, now 0-3 despite picking up four bonus points, it’s another tough result that doesn’t quite reflect their effort.

Easts keep pace, Warringah blow away Uni

Eastern Suburbs remain level with Gordon on wins after a 27–16 win over Northern Suburbs. It wasn’t a blowout, but it was controlled. Easts have now won three from three and look every bit a contender.

But the headline act might have been Warringah’s dominant 46–17 win over Sydney Uni. The Rats played with speed and intent, following up last week's demolition of West Harbour in style and outmuscling Uni in every area of the field. Both teams now sit 2-1, but momentum belongs firmly to Warringah.

League Table Snapshot

After three rounds, Gordon and Easts remain unbeaten, with Gordon narrowly leading the ladder on bonus points. Eastwood, Warringah, and the Wildfires are close behind on two wins each, while Sydney Uni are sixth after a heavy loss. Randwick’s big win sees them rise, while Manly and West Harbour remain winless despite picking up bonus points.