Shining a light on that select band of players worthy of consideration at the next level, is one of the most rewarding elements about covering the Intrust Super Shute Shield every year. Writing about one who had the chance to do just that, before deciding it wasn’t for them is, by contrast, something of a rarity. Meet Jared Barry…

Post-match reaction from both camps with Simon Cron, Damien Cummins, and Angus Sinclair

Nine wins in a row had put the most improved team in the Intrust Super Shute Shield, Northern Suburbs, within touching distance of a Minor Premiership, let alone their first appearance in the finals since 2012. Standing in their way were a Manly side that knew victory would cement their own position in the knockout stages.