The season was, however, suspended due to lockdown measures taken to combat the spread of the delta variant of the COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales.

The eleven teams were: Belrose Eagles (2013-21), Cabramatta Two Blues (2020-21), Cronulla-Caringbah Sharks (2020-21), East Campbelltown Eagles (2014-21), Hills District Bulls (2013-21), Moorebank Rams, Penrith Brothers, Ryde-Eastwood Hawks, St Marys Saints, Wentworthville Magpies, and Windsor Wolves (2015-16, 2020-21) Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia the Sydney Shield competition was postponed after the first round on March 14 & 15.

The teams that contested the revised competition were: Belrose Eagles, Cronulla-Caringbah Sharks (Premiers), East Campbelltown Eagles, Helensburgh Tigers, Hills District Bulls, Moorebank Rams, Ryde-Eastwood Hawks, Sydney University and Wentworthville Magpies.

For the first time, the Moorebank Rams Rugby League club entered a team in the Sydney Shield.

In 2019, former New South Wales Rugby League premiership side University entered the Sydney Shield.