Norths were one of three standout teams in last year’s shortened season, but unlike Sydney Uni and Easts, they’ve retained the vast majority of their squad and coaching group heading into 2022. 

They’ve also added a Scottish prop to help out up front and the brother of Nemani Nadolo in the backs to a side that seems ready to bring another premiership home to North Sydney Oval. 

Overview with Zak Beer: 

“We’re really looking forward to round one, it’s getting closer and closer which is exciting after a very long summer,” Beer told Rugby News. 

“We were supposed to play a trial in Bowral on the weekend but unfortunately that got cancelled due to the weather. We had a strong trial against Easts the week before that though, then prior to that we had a top squad camp at the University of Wollongong for three days. 

“Then we’ve got Eastwood at TG Milner this weekend which should be a great way to finish off the preseason. 

“We’re in a good spot. Physically, pretty much everyone is ready to go for round one and the group is really excited after an extended nine month off season. 

“We were really disappointed to not get a chance to finish what we started last year. We’ve still got some great memories and moments from 2021, but the reality is last year’s results count for nothing, so we’ve got to try to build that momentum again from round one.”

2021 position (after 10 rounds): 2nd – 8 wins from 10 matches

Ins: George Thornton (Glasgow Warriors/Wasps), Inosi Nadolo (Montpellier Academy), Jamie Mazzarol-Kotz (Gungahilin), Kalaveti Kunatuba (Gungahlin/Brumbies Academy), Sol Vosaicake (Aussie 7s/Two Blues), Blake Males (Gordon), Jale Seninawanawa (Penrith). 

Outs: Heinrich Brendel (Sabbatical), Connor Winchester (Hunter). 

Key areas of improvement: 

“I think it’s important that we continue to build on our strengths and improve in the areas that we are good at. We finished last season with the best defensive record in the competition. 

“In attack, we’ve got a few new systems that will change the way we play with the ball a little but it’s more about building on what we were doing last year. 

“In terms of the numbers, we sat towards the top in most of those categories bar our set piece, so that’s been a big focus. 

“We’ve brought in Angus Scott as a dedicated scrum coach and he’s obviously got a wealth of experience at Super Rugby level. He’s a former Norths’ player as well. 

“He’s been great and has been working really hard with our forwards over summer.”

Player(s) to watch: 

“Reece Mau’u has had a really big summer. He’s shown great dedication and physically he’s in the best shape I’ve ever seen him. 

“He was one of the top wingers in the comp already last year and I think he’ll get even better considering how sharp he is looking. 

“Harry Burey, our captain, he got a taste of leading the team in 2021 and demonstrated great leadership through a difficult season. I think he’s got a bit of a chip on his shoulder because he didn’t get the chance to finish the job last year. 

“He’s also really fresh and energised for the year ahead. He’s due to move up to the next level and I’m sure there will be Super Rugby clubs looking at Harry throughout this year.”

Bold prediction for the season ahead: 

“We’ve got a laser focus on maximising every bit of potential in this group. We’re obviously here to try to win the competition, but at the moment we’re only thinking about round one at Woollahra against Easts. 

“That’s what we’ve been prepping for and that seemed to work for us last year. In saying that, we play to be there on the final weekend of the season.

“If I had to pick who we’ll end up playing, I’d have to say Sydney Uni. They’re the only club with professional level resources and facilities at their disposal and they’re such a professionally run organisation. 

“They were undefeated last year, so I think they will be there or thereabouts against this season.”