Beer takes the reins in 2021
Beer takes the reins in 2021
Northern Suburbs are excited to announce Zak Beer as the Clubs Head Coach in 2021.
The 32-year-old, who joined the club in 2020 as the club coaching coordinator is the perfect replacement for the departing Va’a. Having deputised with the First-Grade attack and at times assuming the Head Coach role throughout 2020, Beer has had a natural transition into the role throughout the preseason.
Entering his 11th season coaching at various levels in the Shute Shield, Beer’s knowledge of every level of the competition is unprecedented and has recently caught the eye of National interest, with Tim Walsh (Australian Men’s 7’s coach) inviting Beer to coach the recent NSW Men’s 7’s team.
Beer takes over from Earl Va’a who led the first-grade side to another grand final qualifier in a disrupted 2020 and will not return in 2021. Having returned home to New Zealand since the competition ended in October, Beer has lead preparation for the 2021 season along with his assistants and transitions seamlessly into the head role.
President Grahame O’Donnell said “Zak has fitted the club culture right from the start of his coaching appointment just over 12 months ago. Both Zak and Sape Misa took the lead with Earl’s delay due to COVID in 2020 and he has put his own stamp on our style of play and has shown thirst for continued learning. He has developed a great relationship with the players over the last year and fits the aspirational mould of the club”.
Beer said on taking the role, "It's an honour to be leading this great club in our 122nd season", it was a pleasure working with Earl throughout last season in which a strong foundation was built for the club to continue to grow."
"This is an exciting new era for the club - we have a core group of premiership-winning senior leaders entering the prime of their career, some exciting new talent joining us, complimented by a highly talented group of Colts progressing through our systems."
"I'm supported by an experienced and forward-thinking coaching team who are constantly looking at how we can evolve our game and get the best out of our players, to ultimately help them become better players and better people."
"I have a deep respect for what's come before us, and am excited for this group to write the next chapter in the history of this great club."
In the meantime, First Grade will be adequately deputised by assistant coaches Simon Johnson (Lineout and Restarts), Ben Matwijow (Scrum and Contact) and Gavin Aquilina (Athletic Performance).
The 2021 season will commence on Saturday, April 10th with a round 1 away trip to face Penrith at Nepean Rugby Park.
