The 2026 Shute Shield Colts (U20s) competition kicks off next weekend and ahead of the opening matches, Rugby News caught up with all 12 first colts coaches to learn more about their preparations for the season ahead. 

Next up, Gordon, Manly and Eastwood

Gordon with Hunter Nicholas:

2025: 4th

2026 Squad: 

“We’ve got a strong group of returning players coming back into the program,” Nicholas said.

“Guys like Max Roach, Charlie Baker and Zander Ward bring representative experience and continuity, which is important for us.

“At the same time, we’ve added some exciting new talent with players like Tyler Birnie, Justin Amituanai, James Archer and Heath Turner, which gives us a really good balance across the squad.”

What style of rugby will you look to play?

“No comment.”

Player(s) to watch: 

“There’s a lot of players I could mention, but two that stand out are James Archer and Heath Turner,” the coach said.

“James has come through Barker College and completed a full pre-season in the academy system. He brings a really nice mix of physicality and composure to our midfield.”

“Heath returns after a year with the Manly Sea Eagles where he won a Sydney Shield. He’s got a strong connection to Gordon juniors and is really excited to be back and continue developing his game.”

Who is the team to beat?

“Warringah.”

Manly with Harry Jones:

2025: 6th

2026 squad:

“We’ve got a predominantly young squad this year, with a lot of players coming through their first year of colts,” Harry said.

“I’d say it’s about a 70/30 split favouring new players, but we’ve got some strong senior leaders who have made that transition a lot smoother for the group.”

What style of rugby will you look to play? 

“We’ve put a big focus on simplifying things,” he stated.

“We’ve got some brilliant athletes and we want to give them the freedom to express themselves without fearing failure.”

Player(s) to watch: 

“Tom Dunn has been really impressive throughout the pre-season — one of the best trainers I’ve ever coached,”

“Zac Toole was a standout last year and is back again, and Ramsey Sefo in the front row has had an incredible pre-season.”

Who is the team to beat?

“It would have to be Easts or Randwick,” Jones said.

“They were the grand finalists last year and always seem to recruit strongly coming out of school.”

Eastwood with Nick Marshall:

2025: 7th

2026 Squad: 

“We’ve got a predominantly young group this year, with quite a few under 18s coming into the system,” Marshall said.

“We do have some returning players as well, and they’ve been important in helping set standards around what we expect from each other.”

What style of rugby will you look to play?

“We’ll look to play a well-rounded game,” the coach said. 

“Part of our role as coaches is exposing players to different ways of getting results — more of a horses-for-courses approach. It might take some time, but it should help prepare them for higher honours down the track.”

Player(s) to watch: 

“In the forwards, Rhys Perrett is one to watch, he’s a tough player with a good rugby brain,” Marshall said.

“In the backs, our halfback Tom Gandy is a strong competitor with a great skill set.”

Who is the team to beat?

“I think Randwick will be the benchmark this year.” 

“They’ve got strong depth across the park.”