Norths fell agonisingly short in a second straight Shute Shield decider against Easts late last year.

A number of players have moved on following that loss though, forcing coach Zak Beer to field a new look side this season.

​​Overview with Zak Beer: 

“We’re happy with how everything is looking leading into round one,” Beer told Rugby News. 

“We had our annual camp down to Wollongong a few weeks ago, which is something we’ve done for the last five years now and as part of that camp, we play an internal trial, which is always pretty willing. 

“It’s a great opportunity for guys to fight for jerseys and it gives us a good look at some of the new guys, which we’ve continued to do through the trials. 

“But more importantly, the camp gives us a chance to lock in what it means to play for Norths and the standards that we expect of Shoremen. 

“With so many experienced guys having moved on after the end of the 2024 season and so many new guys joining us, that was the most critical couple of days of our pre-season. 

“But that all went really well and the boys can’t wait to finally get stuck into some competition games in a few days time. 

“From our matchday 23 that played in the 2024 grand final, 11 of our players have either received professional contracts or retired.

“We’re extremely proud of that and it opens up another opportunity for new players to break into the side and make a red and black jersey their own.”

2024: Grand finalists (lost to Eastern Suburbs 36-35)

Ins: Baden Godfrey (Vikings), Jamie Clark (Sydney Uni), Matt Minogue (Eastwood), Seamus Smith (Vikings), Callum Sirker (West Harbour), Benji Hoppe (Palmyra/Wales 7s), Tom Everard (Jersey Reds), Will Thomas (Southern Districts), Felix Kalapu (Western Force), Kieran Curran (Wasps), BJ Lima (Samoa 7s), Tom Bacon (Wasps), Hugh Bell (Sydney Uni), Oskar Hicks (Sydney Uni).

Outs: Harry Burey (retired), Charlie Jeavons-Fellows (sabbatical), Brodie Leber (retired), Jude Gibbs (Queensland Reds), Jack Radford (retired), Michael Scott (MLR), Ed Timpson (MLR), Roan Frostwick (Ampthill), Luke Gersekowski (relocated), Tom Smith (UK), Hamish Sinclair (relocated).

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

“Over the last few years, we’ve added a number of different layers to our game but they’ve all been underpinned by our willingness to attack,” the coach said. 

“That’s been a great recruitment tool for us over the last few years because players have seen the type of rugby we play at Norths and wanted to join us. 

“We want our guys attacking on both sides of the ball and I think anyone that comes to North Sydney Oval this year will see a side that does that.”

Player(s) to watch: 

“We’ve got a couple of guys who have come through our colts system and spent a few years in first grade now who I think are ready to take their game to a new level. 

“Guys like Boston Kerapa, Jack Vincent and Josh Barr. They’re really starting to mature and as they push into their mid-20s and really know what our club is all about. 

“Then we’ve got a fair few players who approached us and have joined us over summer from other clubs or from overseas. 

“But I don’t want to single out any of the new guys individually, as I want them to nail down their jersey first.”

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

“Norths and Easts,” Beer said resolutely.