Western Sydney Two Blues Director of Rugby Sailosi Tagicakibau knows that the little things are important when you are chasing success at Shute Shield level.

It’s been 40 years since the Two Blues last tasted premiership glory but in these last few months there have been signs that change is in the air, viable green shoots.

Take for example their looming season launch scheduled for the night before their first game of the year against Gordon at “The Eric”, Eric Tweedale Stadium on April 11.

They’ve been trying to have a formal launch these last couple of seasons but the RSVPs just haven’t been there to make it worthwhile and the plug has had to be pulled a couple of times.

Not this year though with more than 160 died-in-the-wool supporters, family, benefactors and sponsors expressing their intention to celebrate what lies ahead at Granville in 2026.

And if you were at the Kiama Sevens a few weeks back it was hard not to notice “Two Blues Corner” and the noise that was emanating from that part of the field.

Running the club lean but keen over the past couple of seasons has been an important part of the Two Blues way.

“We’ve traded a profit for the last two years, and 2025 returned the biggest profit we’ve had in the last ten years,” General Manager Randy Basra observed.

This has allowed the club to upgrade key areas across the program, moving the Two Blues closer to what Basra describes as a semi-professional environment.

“A lot of that profit has gone straight back into the program,” he added.

“We’ve upgraded our strength and conditioning, physios, gym programs and recovery equipment. Nutrition has improved, and we’ve brought in more coaches across the grades.

“Before we were running a very amateur setup. Now we’re probably on par with a good semi-professional operation.”

Yes good things are happening in the west and the investment that has happened over the past three seasons are starting to bear fruit!

Structurally Tagicakibau’s role has changed significantly as Director of Rugby.

He will guide the first grade side’s attack as well as getting his hands dirty in whipping the colts program into shape with Mark Moala.

Hard nosed Kiwi Travis Church, last year’s forwards coach, will head up the Shute Shield squad while Teki Tupulotu will drive the important women’s program.

“I think we’re in a good spot,” Tagicakibau told Rugby News.

“The program has put a massive emphasis on our rugby across the board — from the women’s program through to Colts and then into grade.

“That puts a bit of pressure on. But we’ve targeted this year. Anything less than making the playoffs would feel like falling short of the potential of this group.

“I think over the last few years we’ve been a bit of an anomaly.

“The statistics say one thing, but we tend to do something different. In some ways we’ve been punching above our weight.

“But ideally we want to break into the finals, and with the sacrifice the club has made over the last couple of years to build resources, we definitely want to be in that conversation.

“There’s been a lot of hard work put in, now it’s about seeing where this group can go.”

Retention and the stability that that brings have been key priorities after periods of disruption in recent seasons.

“Player retention has been tricky over the last couple of years,” Tagicakibau said.

“That starts from our juniors into Colts, and our women’s program had been a bit unsettled as well.”

A major boost for the club has been the signing of Rodney Iona, a former premiership-winning playmaker and current international for Manu Samoa.

“Rodney’s been awesome,” Tagicakibau offered.

“His CV speaks for itself — a premiership winner with Gordon and someone who has played international rugby and Super Rugby.

“But more than that, he’s matured a lot as a player. With where he is in his career now, I think we’ve probably got the best version of Rodney.”

Iona will drive the top squad leadership group along g with Reece Suesue, Brad Henderson, Rilloy Suesue and Ray Niuia

Their backline options have been strengthened with the arrival of Isaac Te Tamaki, a former New Zealand Sevens representative with experience in the MLR.

“He brings a lot of rugby knowledge,” Tagicakibau said.

“Our demographic includes a lot of players who have come from rugby league backgrounds, so having someone with high-end rugby experience has been really good for the younger players.”

Throw into that mix Liam Lord, a big lock from West Harbour who helped that club have one of the better line outs in the Shute Shield.

Several established Two Blues players are also expected to take another step forward this season, including centre Latrell Smiler Ah-Kiong, who earned international honours late last year with Samoa.

Player development remains central to the club’s long-term strategy, particularly through a pathway program designed to prepare young players for senior rugby.

A group of around a dozen prospects aged between 17 and 20 regularly trains alongside the first-grade squad, gaining exposure to professional standards.

Among them is promising halfback Matavius Patea, who has already been training with the senior group.

The club has also secured links with Scott Young and Ioane Moananu through the NSW Waratahs.

“We don’t necessarily expect to see them playing for us regularly,” Basra said.

“Ideally they’re playing Super Rugby. But if they are available, they add real firepower.”

The foundations have been set at “The Eric”, they reckon it’s time to add some colour between the lines on a Saturday.