Another former Wallaby has joined the local coaching ranks, with Julian Huxley appointed Penrith coach for 2017.
Huxley has been an assistant with NRC side the Sydney Rays for the past two seasons, but this will be his first Shute Shield coaching job.
The nine-Test Wallabies back takes the reins from fellow Test player Jeremy Paul, who was in the position for one season.
“I’m excited to take on the challenge. It’s widely known that the Penrith region is the sleeping giant of Australian Rugby. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got to make a difference,” he said.
The Emus finished last in the Shute Shield last season, going winless through the year.