Norths fell just short again at the back end of last season, losing to Randwick 17-15 in last year’s grand final. Since winning the Shute Shield title in 2016, the Shoreman haven’t finished outside of the top four.

But Norths are acutely aware that their premiership window won’t stay open forever, despite being arguably the most consistent side of the past decade, and are desperate to find a way to win the final match of the season in 2024.

Overview with Zak Beer: 

“We had a highly productive camp down in Wollongong earlier in March. We’ve gone down there for the last few seasons and we get plenty out of it,” Beer told Rugby News. 

“We focused on three main goals. Firstly, we looked at what we stand for as a group and what we’re about. That was different to what it was last year because the group is made up of different players and it’ll be different again next year.  

“Secondly, we looked at gaining extreme clarity around how we want to play and how we’re evolving our game this year and thirdly, we spent time connecting as a group and enjoying each other’s company and I’m confident we achieved those three goals.  

“It was a shame that last year ended in the way it did because we had a really good season, but that’s sport and it only drives us harder this year. We spoke at length about that during our camp and the first thing we did as soon as we arrived was review the grand final. 

“We’d already reviewed at length as coaches, but only four or five of the players had watched it back since then. I believe it was an important exercise, as difficult as it was, to review the game properly tactically and technically, detached from the emotion, and take some really clear learnings from it as a group and then move on. 

“The guys understand how hard it is to make it to a Shute Shield grand final and they understand that rugby careers can flash by, so there’s a real laser focus in the group this year to get back there and finish the job. 

“There’s no feeling of pressure as a group (to win a premiership). That’s mostly external noise and if we start listening to that, we take our eye off more important, short-term targets and building the blocks of a successful campaign, starting with our trials and then into round one against Sydney Uni. 

“Winning premierships is important, but we’ve also been proud of the sustained success we’ve had over recent years.

“We’ve been developing players who’ve been getting picked up by Super Rugby franchises and other professional opportunities which is a positive sign. We’ve also been transitioning through that next cohort of Shoremen into first grade over the last few seasons.

“If you look at last year’s grand final, there were seven players that weren’t in the side the year prior and I think you’ll see more new, young players push into the side again this season.”

2023: Grand finalists (lost to Randwick 17-15)

Ins: Tom Ross (Brumbies), Tom Smith (Glasgow Warriors), Porikapa Tukaki (WA), Mark Nicholson (Leinster Academy), Darcy Hinkley (WA), Roan Frostwick (Warringah Rats), Carrick McDonough (Wales 7s/Dragons).

Outs: Nick Duffy (MLR), Winiata Cherrington (Work Sabbatical)

What sort of rugby will we see from Norths this year? 

“Those that have watched us closely will know that over the last few years we’ve played an expansive style but at the same time, we’ve also been adding different layers to our game recently. 

“Our set piece has improved significantly over the last few years and in 2023 we finished with the second strongest scrum in the competition. 

“It’s no secret that set piece and defence are the two pillars to launch a successful season off in the Shute Shield. We’ve been adding a lot of variation to the way we play on both sides of the ball and I know the boys are excited to showcase that this year.”

Players to watch: 

“I think Jude Gibbs is going to continue to get better. Before joining Norths, in 2022 he spent half the year playing reserve grade at another club, then last year, joining us and not only to play every game in first grade, but to be one of the most dominant players in the competition, it was pretty impressive. 

“He was just a couple of votes off bringing home the Catchpole Medal and was the Shute Shield’s top point scorer across the competition and he’s still only 22.  

“He’s got such a high ceiling and works hard on the field and off the field. We’re constantly sharing clips of ideas on where we can take our game, which shows he really understands it to a deeper level. He’s got a bright future ahead of him.  

“Seb Cameron spent the summer training with the Waratahs and unfortunately wasn’t kept on. The Aussie 7s have shown interest in him also. He’s pretty determined to prove he’s good enough to play at the next level and I don’t think he’s far off. Similarly Reece Mau’u will continue his year-on-year growth. 

“Saxon Gilles had a few injuries last year but was really strong for us when we was on the field. 

“He’s had a monster summer and physically, looks like a different specimen. He’s also stepped up as a leader in the group throughout preseason. 

“He’s one to keep an eye on for us through the middle of the park.”

Which two teams will play in this year’s grand final and why? 

“It’s the same every year, we’ll always focus on ourselves because we’ve found that works well for us and that’s what’s in our control,” Beer said. 

“If I did have to pick a team to play in the grand final, I’d say it would be Randwick. They were consistent throughout the season, they’ve got good depth and performed well as a club, which is always important. 

“We might have a rematch at Leichhardt later this year.”