Northern Suburbs have been one of the more stable Shute Shield clubs in recent seasons but 2020 has seen some major changes and they will have a fresh look by the time the competition kicks off.

Earl Va’a, the former Samoan Test No.10, took over as head coach and they have recruited hard to replace a number of stars who were either retiring or heading to fresh fields, both at Super Rugby level and overseas.

It’s been major generational change from the side that won the premiership in 2016 and played in the grand final a year later.

Rugby News caught up with Norths head coach EARL VA’A as he tries to pull together all the loose ends that make up a successful rugby club.