Penrith Emus have named former Wests Tigers player Andy Fiagatusa as captain ahead of their opening 2021 Shute Shield match against Norths next weekend. 

Fiagatusa grew up playing rugby in Auckland but converted to rugby league after moving to Australia in his teens. 

Fiagatusa is a former Wests Tigers U20s player of the year and is one of a number of new faces expected to turn out for John Muggleton’s side this season. 

“We are looking okay… John Muggleton’s continued in the coaching role and we are close to signing some marquee players, which will bolster our ranks by a lot,” Emus president Gary McColl said.

“However, we’ve lost a lot of rugby league players that we recruited last year, and we’ve lost a few players to other Shute Shield clubs too. 

“We’ve got a positive outlook though and we’re looking to build on from last year.”

While the Emus haven’t won a Shute Shield match since 2014, McColl seemed confident the club has the right man in charge to change that this season. 

“Muggo was happy to come back, he genuinely wants to help Penrith and western Sydney – that’s his main focus,” McColl said.

“The man’s done it all before, so we’re very thankful he’s decided to continue.

“A win this year, most definitely, that’s our big goal. 

“Hopefully there will be a good crowd at the ground when we finally do it.”