By MARK CASHMAN

West Harbour’s new first grade skipper Sonny Satuala has always been that strong silent type in the background contributing when asked. You know the type of bloke that every successful team needs to make a go of a season.

Well he’s front and centre now with the little ‘c’ after his name on the team sheet and he’s excited about what lies ahead.

“It’s very new for me but at the same time I am excited by the prospect of it all,” Satuala told Rugby News.

“At first I was a bit shocked and stunned by the appointment but there are some very good people around me here at Wests and we are looking forward to ripping in against Randwick in Round One and seeing where we are at.

“I suppose I’ve been one of those guys that has been contributing from the background as far as leadership went at Wests but the boys wanted me to step up.

“It’s a great honour, I couldn’t say no and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.”

Wests had an internal trial last Thursday and first grade coach Mark Gudmunson said that had provided a couple of good selection headaches.

“The squad is travelling well and the internal trial gave me a few of those good selection headaches as the first round looms,” Gudmunson said.

“Randwick were impressive in trials and are talked about as one of the teams to beat this year, so I suppose there is a bit of pressure on them to get out of the blocks quickly.

“But we are ready to go on Saturday after a weeks of finalising all the detail we need to be across.”

Gudmunson said that Satuala was a voice that the playing group listened to.

“When he talks, players listen. He is a very knowledgeable fella when it comes to rugby, he knows how to problem solve on the run,” Gudmunson said.

“He also knows when to speak to others when help is needed. He’s a West Harbour Colt, a leader and a great player too.

“It was a pretty easy decision to be honest. I’m just worried about how many scrums we will have per game.”

Satuala says expect to see a far more skilful and fitter Pirates outfit throughout the 2021 Shute Shield.

“Our skill set has gone up considerably because of the work that Stephen James and our S&C boss Clint Hill has been doing with us,” Satuala said.

“And if we see Carlo Tizzano who has been starring at No.7 for the Waratahs for a stretch of games that would be awesome.

“I had never heard or seen him before he came to us last season but his workrate and attitude over the ball at Super Rugby level has been great to see.

“Randwick will be a major test for us at Drummoyne Oval as I reckon they will be one of the teams to watch as the season unfolds.

“But it will give us an idea about where we are at and what we need to do to get better.”

IMAGE: JB PHOTOGRAPHY