If you’re looking for a genuine smokey in this year’s Shute Shield competition, all fingers seem to be pointing towards West Harbour, after an extensive recruitment drive that sees 20 new players putting their hand up for a place in the top squad. Excited head coach Mark Gudmunson takes us through his plans and players for the season ahead.

Ben McCormack has made the shift from the Club Coach role at Coogee Oval to that of head coach. And given the pedigree, experience and rugby nous he has already amassed, you wouldn’t bet against him lifting the Galloping Greens back up into the upper echelons of the ladder they have been more accustomed to across the club’s illustrious history.

With head coach Robert Taylor taking up a professional role in England, the reigning two-time Premiers will be guided by co-coaches Joe Horn-Smith and Michael Hodge for the upcoming campaign. But actually being in the same country together is their first challenge!