Just a year after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2013, Warringah were arguably the big improvers of the shortened 2021 Shute Shield season.

The Rats were fifth when the competition was cancelled with six wins from their nine matches including upsets over Eastwood and Norths.

“I thought there were some really encouraging signs across the board and some big areas of improvement, which was reflected in the way we were playing our footy when the comp was shut down,” coach Mike Ruthven told Rugby News.

“That was out of our control though and we had no choice but to turn our attention to 2022.”

Following three straight grand finals from 2017 to 2019, there was a changing of the guard at Rat Park in 2020, with a handful of senior figures hanging up the boots.

Since then, a new generation of Rats have worked their way through colts and into first grade and Ruthven seems confident that his young group have got what it takes.

“We try not to spend too much time looking back at the past and talking about the players that we had, who have moved on. Obviously they had a lot of success, but this new group has a different energy and they want to do things their way,” Ruthven said.

“Through the leadership of Ben Marr and some of the other young guys who have pushed into grade with him, they’ve put their own flavour on how we do things and the wider playing group has really bought into that.”

Ruthven has retained the majority of his playing group from last season, minus a few players who have taken up opportunities overseas.

“Poor Charlie McKill and Rory O’Connor were also both signed to play in the MLR but unfortunately haven’t been able to get in to the US after some visa complications.

“It’s brutally disappointing for them, but a real positive for us.

“We’ve also got Hugh Margin returning from Italy in April, then we’ve managed to bring in three or four guys who will give us some real depth across the squad.”

Now in his fifth season of first grade, Ben Marr will captain the Rats for the second straight season after recovering from shoulder surgery midway through 2021.

The flyhalf/fullback was arguably the form player of the competition in the opening rounds of 2021 and will lead the Rats attack again this season.

“He’s a massive part of the group and a very influential guy around the club,” Ruthven said.

“I’m his biggest advocate and I think he’s on the cusp of really kicking on. The timing of his shoulder surgery wasn’t ideal because I think he would have got an opportunity somewhere over summer if he had of remained injury free.”

“He’s really matured as a footballer and I think he’s in for a very big year.”

The Rats face arguably the toughest start to the season of any side this year, with clashes against Sydney Uni, Norths and Gordon ahead of the opening ‘Battle of the Beaches’ derby against Manly at Rat Park on April 23.

“A lot of sides have recruited well, so it’s going to be an interesting season,” Ruthven said.

“Every game this year is going to be super competitive, which is great for the competition and it’s going to force every team to show up and perform well every week.”