Southern Districts will have a tougher edge in 2024 under new coach Joe Barakat according to club captain Phil Potgieter.

After a season to forget in 2023, Potgieter said there’s been a very different feel around Forshaw over summer and seemed confident that would translate into better performances on the field this season.

“I don’t think I’ve ever done as much contact during preseason as I have this year. It’s been really physical,” the forward told Rugby News.

“We’ve also done plenty of really tough beach sessions. Being in Cronulla, we’ve been able to utilise the beach and I think we’ll be fitter and more physical as a result.