After claiming a breakthrough premiership in 2024, an injury riddled Shore squad struggled last season, winning just one of their 10 matches.

But after blooding a number of debutants in 2025, coach Angus Sinclair is confident his side has the depth and talent to challenge for the GPS title.

Overview with Angus Sinclair: 

“We’re happy with how things are looking ahead of round one. We’ve had some good trial form and had wins over Kinross, Cranbrook, Stannies and Trinity,” Sinclair said. 

“We used those trials to give plenty of guys within the wider squad opportunities, which I think will set us up really well for the season. 

“Last year, we had a heap of injuries at this point of the season so we didn’t have that luxury. This year, we’ve got much better depth across the squad and I think we’ve got multiple guys in each position who will be able to step up if needed.

“Everyone gets injuries and last year, we probably didn’t have the depth to cover it. I’m confident that won’t be the case this season. 

“There’s also a lot of guys that got experience from last season that are returning and they’ll be better for it. 

“First XV is tough and physical and it’s played with a lot of emotion. There are big crowds and plenty of noise. It takes a bit of getting used to and guys that have experienced that before typically handle it better than those that haven’t.”

2026 Squad: 

“Our firsts and seconds are mostly made up of year 12 boys. I think it’s something like 24 of 30 are in their final year together,” the coach explained. 

“It’s an older group, they’ve got some experience and they are raring to go. 

“We’ve got one year 10 boy named Issac Kasprowicz who is a real talent and I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes in his debut this weekend.”

What style of rugby will we see from Shore? 

“We’ve got a clear way we like to play rugby where we move the ball to attack space, wherever that may be. 

“That’s the beauty of schoolboy footy. Most teams like to move the ball around and play high tempo footy. 

“Our style has been the same for a few years now and it won’t change much this season.”

Who is the team to beat? 

“This is a bit of a throwaway line, but it’s anyone’s competition,” Sinclair said. 

“All the trial form has been solid and it’s hard to know where things stand until GPS teams start playing one another. 

“I genuinely think any of the six teams could win the comp this year.”