Manly have fought against the odds to record a famous 34-32 victory over Eastwood at the Village Green and take top spot on the Shute Shield ladder, despite the loss of an incredible 52 players across the club as the result of a flu outbreak that severely tested their strength in depth.

Parramatta have achieved their first back-to-back victories since 2008 after downing local rivals Penrith 44-15 at Nepean Rugby Park.

With Sydney University grabbing the first grand final place the day before, it was left to Randwick and Gordon to fight it out for the right to join them in next week’s showcase. And the repeat of last year’s semi-final clash didn’t disappoint.