by Paul Cook –

The opening round of the 2016 Intrust Super Shute Shield is just a week away and before a ball is kicked, Rugby News has been taking a look at all 12 teams to see how they’re shaping up ahead of what will likely be one of the closest competitions in years.

In part three, we run the rule over Penrith, West Harbour and Manly.

PENRITH – with Jeremy Paul

Former Wallaby Jeremy Paul has put up his hand to try and lead the ailing Emus back from the abyss, and while he is under no illusions as to the enormity of the task he has undertaken, he is confident that he can put the right structures in place to improve matters both on and off the field at the foot of the mountains.

READ PENRITHS’ FULL SEASON PREVIEW

WEST HARBOUR – with Neil Tunnah

After serving an apprenticeship as an assistant coach at both Gordon and Northern Suburbs, Neil Tunnah gets the chance to cut his teeth in the hotseat at Concord Oval with a club that appeared to be heading firmly in the right direction last season. He’s also brought a couple of ex-Pirates back into the fold to help out.

READ WEST HARBOURS’ FULL SEASON PREVIEW

MANLY – with Damien Cummins

All that was missing from Damien Cummins’ stellar first year in charge at the Marlins in 2015 was the cherry on top that would have been a first Premiership for the club since 1997. But having ended the grand final hoodoo at the first time of asking, it’s no surprise that the goal in 2016 is to take that next step and bring the Shute Shield back to the Village Green.

READ MANLY’S FULL SEASON PREVIEW