Randwick coach Stephen Hoiles is ready to be the 'hunted' as the Shute Shield season prepares to kick off for another year.
Hoiles and Randwick are the defending champions after overcoming Norths 17-15 in the Final, their first title in two decades.
Catch every game of the Shute Shield LIVE on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
In a poll of Shute Shield captains, the 'Wicks were the favourite to once again make the Final, with many coaches agreeing with this call.
“They’ve got a great set up and a production line of Irish people who turn up,” joked 2023 coach of the year and West Harbour boss Cam Treloar.
For Hoiles, pressure is a privilege as they open their season with a tough trip to the Hunter after going down to Brothers in the Australian Club Championships.
“I joke about the underdog mentality, I like the fact that teams are expecting things from Randwick because we’re expecting things from us as well," Hoiles told Rugby.com.au
“How we handle it I’m not sure, to be honest, and that’ll be the challenge that faces this group. We just have to forget what the expectations are outside of the club. They’re probably similar to what they are inside of the club but we worry about those.
“We created enough opportunities to win (against Brothers) but we were just rusty and gave away a lot of penalties with the new tackle height. It was good in hindsight, don’t get me wrong we would’ve loved to win that game but it was a good reality check for us.”
For finalists Norths, they face a Sydney Uni side that includes former Wallabies number eight Isi Naisarani.
Naisrarni joined the Waratahs on a train-and-trial deal at the end of last year, included alongside Sevens World Series winner Tim Clements.
“I think every year you start fresh. No one carries the momentum of last year but we sat down and reviewed the Grand Final which was tough," Norths coach Zak Beer said.
“It was good for us to get the tactical and technical learnings as a group even for those not involved as we look for any way we can look to make ourselves better this year.
“We’re looking to launch into this year and round one against Sydney Uni…they’ll be a great challenge. They’re littered with Junior Wallabies and Isi Naisarani going back there.”
As always, the competition is wide open, with Hoiles and other coaches expecting big things out of Easts. The Beasties have named Waratahs Jack Bowen, Harry Wilson and Mosese Tuipulotu for their match with West Harbour whilst having the potential for Teddy Wilson, Jack Grant, Miles Amatosero, Fergus Lee-Warner, Julian Heaven and Charlie Gamble to re-join throughout the season.
“Everyone who has been here understands how close this comp is. At the halfway point of last year, we were only just into the six and then went on a run from there," Hoiles said.
“All you have to do is look at the last few rounds and everyone was watching every game to see who would make it and it took until the final two rounds when you could actually rule out teams.
"(Easts) have recruited well and they're going to be one of those sides if they can get the run of the draw with the Super Rugby guys, they'll improve a lot."
EASTWOOD v MANLY
SOUTHERN DISTRICTS v WARRINGAH
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY v NORTHERN SUBURBS
TWO BLUES v GORDON
WEST HARBOUR v EASTS
WILDFIRES v RANDWICK
