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. 

Last but certainly not least, Randwick, Western Sydney and Eastern Suburbs. 

Randwick with Jack Harrison:

2025: Premiers

2026 Squad: 

“The group is definitely on the younger side this year,” Harrison told Rugby News. 

“A large number of our colts from last season have aged out, but we’ve been able to retain some experienced players across the grades and bring in young talent, which has given us a really nice balance.”

What style of rugby will you look to play? 

“I think everyone knows Randwick’s philosophy of running rugby and we’re looking to continue that,” he said. 

“We’ve worked hard in the offseason on our skills and conditioning, so we want to play an expansive, attacking style.” 

“But we’re under no illusion to do that, our defence needs to be in order in a competition with plenty of firepower.”

Player(s) to watch: 

“Charlie Bird is one to watch. He’s flown under the radar up in Queensland and has come down to NSW for an opportunity,” he said. 

“He’s had a great preseason and is working really hard on his craft, so I think he’s in for a big year.”

Who is the team to beat? 

“It’s hard to go past Easts,” Harrison said of Randwick’s local rival. 

“They’ve got a lot of great talent returning and, as always, have recruited some big guns. At full strength, they’d be favourites.

“I also think Warringah are flying a little under the radar. They play a physical brand of footy, have a big pack and skill in the backline — they’ll be right in the mix.”

Western Sydney with Sailosi Tagicakibau: 

2025: 12th

2026 squad: 

“It’s pretty much a brand new group, we’ve probably only got a handful of players returning from last season,” Tagicakibau said. 

“But we’ve got quite a few ex-Two Blues who went and played colts elsewhere initially returning this year and we’re really excited about that.”

“Overall, it’s a young group. I think we might be the second youngest in the competition but the plan is to keep this group together for a few years and build the club around them.”

What style of rugby will you look to play? 

“We like to throw the ball around and play off the back of some strong ball carriers. That’s the Two Blue way and that won’t change.”

Player(s) to watch: 

“Nathan Fua and Matias Tuipolotu have both returned to the Two Blues after playing at Sydney Uni last year and they both spent a lot of the summer training with grade. 

“They also came on our top squad camp and although they’ll be the leaders of the colts group, they also might make a few appearances off the bench in grade. 

“They are both Blacktown Scorpions juniors who want to drive the club forward and I’m excited to see what they can do this year.”

Who is the team to beat? 

“It’d have to be Randwick. They won all three competitions last year and they are well set up, being close to Daceyville and a handful of private schools.”

Eastern Suburbs with Gareth Morton:

2025: 5th 

2026 Squad: 

“It’s a very strong group on paper,” Morton said. 

“We’ve got around 10 second-year players available for round one, which gives us a really solid base. But we’ll also lose six players to the Australian Under 20s for a big part of the season, so it opens the door for others to step up.” 

“It’s a great opportunity for those boys to grow their game and prove themselves.” 

What style of rugby will you look to play? 

“I’d say a disciplined, fast game,” he explained. 

“We want to play with tempo and be expansive, but also understand when that’s not required. It’s about blending natural attacking ability with discipline and pressure.” 

“A lot of these players have great instincts, so it’s important we don’t take that away from them — we just shape it.” 

Player(s) to watch: 

“There are a few, but Arthur Greer has really stood out,” the coach said.

“He’s a strong ball carrier, a good leader and just gets his job done. He’s been training with first grade and has impressed there as well.” 

“Flynn Farrell is another. A three-year colt at halfback. He sees the game well, loves the physical side and has a great kicking game.” 

Who is the team to beat?

“For me, the target is on ourselves,” the coach said. 

“We want to be competing against ourselves every week and finding the best version of what we can be.” 

“We’ve worked hard to get this club into a position where other teams want to beat us…… and that’s something we need to embrace.”