This looms as a big year for Eastern Suburbs and head coach Pauli Taumoepeau at Woollahra Oval. Now in his third year at the helm, and with a very talented squad that has been improved upon every year, the pressure is on to deliver something for a club that hasn’t tasted Premiership success since 1969.

Invited back into the Shute Shield after an almost two-year hiatus, Penrith’s biggest challenge in 2020 is doing enough to warrant a more permanent status in the competition beyond this Covid-enforced shorter edition. Taking up that challenge is former Parramatta Eel and Wallaby defence coach John Muggleton.

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.