by Paul Cook –

With only a couple of days to go until the 2016 Intrust Super Shute Shield gets underway, Rugby News wraps up its look at each team’s prospects ahead of the new season by focusing on Northern Suburbs, Sydney University and Eastwood.

NORTHERN SUBURBS – with Simon Cron

Simon Cron’s first year as a head coach in 2015 offered up some tantalising glimpses as to the potential future at Northern Suburbs. Improved structures, game management, set-piece and the blooding of several young talents led to a rise up the ladder and earned Cron the prestigious Shute Shield Coach of the Year award. But in season two, he wants – and expects – much, much more.

READ NORTHERN SUBURBS’ FULL SEASON PREVIEW

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY – with Tim Davidson

With eight Shute Shield Premierships to his name as captain of Sydney University, Tim Davidson certainly has the pedigree to lead the Students back to the pinnacle of Sydney club rugby. But his transition into the head coaching role this season is still a step into the unknown for both camps. His ability to learn and adapt quickly to his new environment will go a long way to deciding the club’s fortunes in 2016.

READ SYDNEY UNIVERSITY’S FULL SEASON PREVIEW

EASTWOOD with John Manenti

Back-to-back titles has given Eastwood the chance to go for a rare Premiership hat-trick in 2016. But the retirements of long-term servants Hugh Perrett and Ben Batger means some new blood has been brought in to fill their sizeable shoes. A coaching reshuffle also adds a slight air of the unknown to the Woodies’ prospects this time out but they’ve shown they know how to get the job done when it matters.

READ EASTWOOD’S FULL SEASON PREVIEW