Eights rounds of the Shute Shield have passed and first grade are yet to taste victory.

The Emus had a great opportunity to record their first win for 2009 against Southern Districts at St Marys Stadium on Saturday.

They went into the match confident of matching their opponents, who had won one game so far.

But Southern Districts meant business and proved far too good in their 59-12 win.

Emus general manager John Pinson remains optimistic.

``The feeling in the the club is still positive, despite the disappointing results so far,'' he said.

``We've had a few injuries that we can ill-afford. There are five first-graders unavailable through illness and injury, which created a few holes. It's created some disruptions, where players have gone out and played well below they should. They need to work on their mental attitude.''

Defence is the biggest problem. The Emus have conceded an average 43 points a game.

Penrith matched it with Warringah in attack a week ago when they scored 42 points. But their defence cost them them dearly as they conceded 52.

``We're still finding the right combinations which best fit the team,'' Pinson said.

``But injuries to key players have also unsettled the side and thrown our game plans out the window. But we're starting to improve.''

There is some brighter news in the lower grades, where second grade have won two games so far, and the Penrith women won their first game of the year on Saturday.

Pinson believes a first grade aren't far away from causing a boilover.

``We should have won at least one game already,'' Pinson said. ``Once our full squad is back, I'm confident that we'll turn some heads.''

The Emus hope to field a full-strength side against Northern Districts at St Marys this Saturday from 3pm.

``We should have most of our players back, including Jeremy Sua, who has been a big loss,'' Pinson said.

``We seem to lift against the more respected sides.''